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Gordon Elliott targets Saratoga Grade 1 with Galway Plate hero Clarcam

Gordon Elliott: sent out Clarcam to win the Galway Plate last summer
Clarcam: Galway Plate winner will be partnered by Davy Russell at SaratogaCredit: Patrick McCann

Listowel's Kerry National meeting is often the next port of call for winners of the Galway Plate, but Gordon Elliott is looking a little further afield for Clarcam.

The 33-1 winner of Galway's chasing feature is set to contest the Grade 1 New York Turf Writers Cup at Saratoga on Thursday, a 2m3f handicap hurdle for four-year-olds and upwards over the course's 'National fences'.

Multiple Grade 3-winning stablemate The Game Changer is also in line to make the trip to New York for the $175,000 prize.

Elliott is no stranger to saddling runners in the US, having previously saddled Dirar to finish second in the race (2011) and Salford City seventh (2008), while he also also won the Foxbrook Champion Hurdle at Far Hills with Zanjabeel last October.
The Game Changer is one of nine nominations for the $175,000 prize
The Game Changer is one of nine nominations for the $175,000 prizeCredit: Patrick McCann

Elliott said: "The plan is for Clarcam and The Game Changer to run in the New York Turf Writers Cup next week. Davy Russell rides Clarcam and Mark Enright rides The Game Changer. We've had runners at Saratoga before and it seems a grand spot.

Clarcam, raised 8lb to 155 over fences – he is 136 over hurdles – following his six-length defeat of Patricks Park, must give weight away all around, including 8lb to his Gigginstown stablemate, who has an Irish mark of 142 over fences and 139 over hurdles.
Zanjabeel: won the Foxbrook Champion Hurdle at Far Hills and remained in training in the US
Zanjabeel: won the Foxbrook Champion Hurdle at Far Hills and remained in training in the USCredit: Alain Barr
Following his victory in New Jersey last year Zanjabeel was sold to a Maryland partnership and went on to win the Grade 1 Iroquois Stakes for trainer Ricky Hendriks.

Asked about the prospect of either Gigginstown runner following a similar path by staying in the US, Elliott said: "We have no plans for them yet. We'll just get them out there and see how they go."

Last year's race was won by the former Dermot Weld-trained two-time Galway festival winner Diplomat for Kate and Bernie Dalton.


Read exclusive previews of from 6pm daily on racingpost.com


Mark BoylanReporter

Published on 17 August 2018inNews

Last updated 15:53, 17 August 2018

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