Elliott still planning two-pronged attack in Triumph with Fil Dor and Pied Piper

Gordon Elliott believes the demands of Cheltenham will suit Saturday's Spring Juvenile runner-up Fil Dor better than Leopardstown as he looks set to run both he and Pied Piper in a likely two-pronged attack in the JCB Triumph Hurdle.

A decision has yet to be made on whether Elliott's Irish Gold Cup hero Conflated will join stablemate Galvin in the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup, with the Ryanair remaining an option, as the Cullentra House trainer gave the lowdown on his leading lights after the Dublin Racing Festival.

Fil Dor had his unbeaten run brought to an end behind Vauban in the Grade 1 Spring Juvenile Hurdle and, while Elliott admitted to being taken by Willie Mullins' winner, he is hoping to turn the tables at the festival.

Caldwell Construction owns both Fil Dor and Pied Piper and, on Tuesday, Elliott gave the strongest indication yet that both horses would run in the Triumph rather than being split up next month.

He said: "Vauban looks a very good horse, but I think Cheltenham will suit Fil Dor better than Leopardstown did. We're still thinking of running both Fil Dor and Pied Piper in the Triumph."

Vauban gets the better of Fil Dor in the Spring Juvenile Hurdle at Leopardstown on Saturday, but Elliott still harbours hopes his grey can reverse the form in the TriumphCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Elliott secured three winners at the Dublin Racing Festival, including the feature of the weekend when Conflated stormed to an unlikely victory in the Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup, strengthening his trainer's hand for the Gold Cup itself.

However, whether Conflated will join stablemate Galvin in the festival feature or bid for Ryanair glory will be decided upon closer to the time.

He said: "We had a great weekend at the Dublin Racing Festival. Conflated was the highlight and, of all the horses we ran, they all ran well so we were very happy.

"Conflated has the option of the Ryanair and the Gold Cup so we won't rule anything in or out at this stage and we'll see what happens.

"At the start of the season, Delta Work looked to be our main chance in the Gold Cup and it's amazing the way things can change so quickly in racing. Galvin is also a live contender so we're looking forward to it."

Up until Saturday, Elliott appeared to hold the key to the Champion Bumper with American Mike, the long-time ante-post favourite for the race but, following Facile Vega's romp in the Grade 2 bumper at Leopardstown on Saturday, the trainer labelled Mullins' bright prospect as the one to beat at Cheltenham.

Elliott said: "I was very impressed with Facile Vega. He did everything right and he's the horse we all have to beat in the Champion Bumper."

Triumph Hurdle entries and betting

Gold Cup entries and betting

Champion Bumper betting

Read more reaction from the Dublin Racing Festival here

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