Elliott ready to unleash unbeaten novice as he finalises powerful Christmas team

The unbeaten Gerri Colombe will step into Grade 1 company for the first time in the Faugheen Novice Chase at Limerick over Christmas, with trainer Gordon Elliott expecting the proven mudlark to be in his element in the testing conditions.

The race was elevated to Grade 1 status in 2018 when Elliott won it with Hardline, but the trainer has been frustrated for the last three years as Samcro, Pencilfulloflead and Farouk D'Alene have all finished second. Indeed, the latter traded at 1-20 on Betfair last year before being touched off by Master McShee.

Elliott looks to have another strong hand this time around and Gerri Colombe, 6-4 favourite with Betfair and Paddy Power, could even be joined by Drinmore winner Mighty Potter, who is currently favourite for the Turners Novices' Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.