Gordon Elliott: Champagne Classic has come on a lot for his reappearance

Grade 2 Ladbrokes Acca Boosty Ten Up Novice Chase | 3m | RTV

The classy Champagne Classic, a Grade 1 and Cheltenham Festival-winning novice hurdler a couple of seasons ago, returned from a lengthy spell on the sidelines to finish third in a Grade 3 at Naas, from which he has benefited a great deal, according to trainer Gordon Elliott.

Elliott is a major force at his local track, and he will be hoping Champagne Classic can beat his rivals en route to staking a claim for more festival honours.

As well as Champagne Classic, Elliott runs Blow By Blow, who won last year’s Martin Pipe – the contest Champagne Classic had won the year before – but has not hit top gear over fences, at least so far.

Speaking about his pair, the trainer said: “Both are in good form. Champagne Classic has definitely come on from his comeback run at Naas. If Blow By Blow is on a going day he'll have a good chance.”

Gordon Elliott: a major force at Navan and his runners there have to be respectedCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Chris's Dream had a little over a length to spare from the returning Champagne Classic at Naas and Henry de Bromhead, fresh from winning Saturday's Red Mills Chase with Monalee, is hoping his exciting young chaser can confirm superiority, ground permitting.

The trainer said: "He's in good form. The ground has been against him this season, but if it's nice jumping ground he'll take his chance.”

The six-strong field is completed by the Ted Walsh-trained Any Second Now, the Tom Gibney-trained Agent Boru, and Moonshine Bay, from the Jessica Harrington yard.

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