Samcro to swerve Ascot in favour of Ryanair Hurdle at Leopardstown

Samcro will swerve the JLT Hurdle, registered as the Long Walk, at Ascot on Saturday, with Gordon Elliott sticking to his original plan of tackling the Ryanair Hurdle at Leopardstown a week on Saturday over a mile shorter.

Having been put in his place by Buveur D'Air in the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle earlier this month, Samcro was given a speculative entry over three miles at Ascot but he will instead bid for a first success of the season in the race his owner Michael O'Leary sponsors.

Watch: Samcro is beaten by Buveur D'Air

Elliott said on Sunday: "Samcro won't be running in the Long Walk at Ascot. Instead the intention is to stick to two miles and he will be aimed at the Ryanair Hurdle at Leopardstown.

"He's come out of the Fighting Fifth in good form and I'm happy with him."

Samcro is favourite at a best-priced 2-1 with Coral for the Ryanair Hurdle, while he is an 8-1 shot with the sponsor for Unibet Champion Hurdle.

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