Gordon Elliott saddles ten runners in Pertemps qualifier - but who's the pick?

Wednesday: 1.10 Leopardstown
Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle (Qualifier) | 3m | 4yo+ | ITV4/RTV

Gordon Elliott has ten chances in this Pertemps qualifier, but there are few as eyecatching as Maxxum.

The short-priced Navan winner has had only two runs since joining Elliott and looked to have plenty in the tank when winning with ease over 2m6f. He can progress further and may be the one to beat, despite having to contend with a 17lb rise.

The danger could come from stablemate, Vina Ardanza. Third in a Grade 1 novice hurdle at Aintree, he made a notable late challenge when stepping up to 2m4f at Naas in November. The five-year-old, ridden by 5lb claimer Ben Harvey, holds a chance should he show further improvement.

Eric Bloodaxe’s most recent outing at 3m saw him finish second on good-to-yielding ground at Fairyhouse, and it will be interesting to see him take on the trip with a softer surface. His last win over 2m4f was seemingly with plenty in reserve, and he will also benefit from the help of 7lb claimer Rob James.

The greatest threat to the Elliott runners may well be the Gavin Cromwell-trained Perceval Legallois. He has looked a winner in waiting having finish second twice this season. He stays the 3m and has strong claims on recent form.

Good Time Jonny has a course-and-distance victory off 9lb lower, and all his best form has come at Leopardstown.

Cape Gentleman makes his stable debut having left Emmet Mullins to join Shark Hanlon. A 151-rated chaser, he was also a Grade 2 winner over hurdles and has plenty of experience. He has never won beyond 2m4f but could be an interesting recruit.

Tom Gibney’s Hemlock may be entitled to need the run having not been seen since April, and the same could be said for Henry de Bromhead’s Grand National winner Minella Times.

What they say

Gavin Cromwell, trainer of Ilikedwayurthinkin and Perceval Legallois
Ilikedwayurthinkin has been mixing it between hurdles and fences. He ran a cracker at Aintree in the spring when he was probably outstayed, but if you took the winner out you'd say he saw the trip out well. Perceval Legallois is off a nice weight [of 10st 11lb]. He was beaten fair and square last time at Listowel but it probably didn't help that he got in under the last two flights.

Gordon Elliott: has a big team in this eventCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Coventry, Eric Bloodaxe, Jaycean, Maxxum, Music Drive, Noble Birth, Rodaniche, Slige Dala, Tronador and Vina Ardanza
Vina Ardanza ran a cracker when just touched off at Naas last time. This will be his first try at the trip, so it will be interesting to see how he gets on. Eric Bloodaxe got off to a good start to the season when winning at Fairyhouse. He's stepping back up to three miles and has some form over the trip. Jaycean doesn't have many miles on the clock and will hopefully come on for his first start in a handicap last time. Music Drive is trying this trip for the first time. He's a nice horse and we're looking forward to seeing how he gets on at three miles too. I thought Tronador ran a grand race at Dundalk the other day and fingers crossed he should enjoy a bit of decent ground. Rodaniche hasn't run since winning at Down Royal in January. Niall Moore's 7lb claim brings him down to a nice weight [of 10st 4lb]. We're swapping the cheekpieces for blinkers with Coventry and hopefully it can bring out a bit of improvement. It didn't work out for Slige Dala over fences last time but we'll be hoping that going back over hurdles helps him get back on track. Jack [Kennedy] rides Maxxum. He won well last time at Navan and the handicapper has put him up 17lb, so we'll have to see how he gets on off his new mark. Noble Birth is stepping up in class after having a decent time of things during the summer.

Mouse Morris, trainer of Whatsavailable
It's an extremely competitive race with a big field and we're hoping he gets a clear run of things. He won well last time at Fairyhouse and looks to be in good form again now.

Tom Gibney, trainer of Hemlock
The left-handed track at Leopardstown should suit him well. It’s the first run of the season and he’ll come on for it.

Wednesday's previews:

1.45 Leopardstown: Can Bob Olinger earn poignant win for De Bromhead? Key Christmas Hurdle quotes

2.20 Leopardstown: Conflated spearheads Gordon Elliott trio in bid for more Savills Chase glory

2.55 Leopardstown: Talented I Am Maximus out to follow in Galopin Des Champs' footsteps for Mullins

3.10 Leicester: Girl power: Dame Du Soir and Ile De Jersey bid to beat the boys in Silver Fox

Limerick: 'We have a lot of time for her' - chase debut for Mullins ace Allegorie De Vassy

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