Ladbrokes Champion Chase: Elliott, Nicholls and De Bromhead on the Grade 1

Saturday: 2.50 Down Royal
Ladbrokes Champion Chase (Grade 1) | 3m | 5yo+ | ITV4/RTE2/RTV

Gordon Elliott has nailed his colours to the mast by describing Delta Work as his main chance of winning the Cheltenham Gold Cup for a second time, but he warned the five-time Grade 1 winner will improve significantly for his return.

Delta Work won the Savills Chase and the Irish Gold Cup two seasons back but has not been seen since picking up an injury in this year's Irish Gold Cup.

Elliott, who won the Gold Cup in 2016 with Don Cossack, believes Delta Work represents his best chance of winning the race for a second time and is looking forward to taking the wraps off the Gigginstown-owned chaser.

He said: "Delta Work always comes on from his first run of the season so, whatever he does here, he will improve on it. Having said that, he's been very good at home and we haven't lost any faith in him."

Elliott is also represented by last season's National Hunt Chase winner Galvin, who got his season off to the best possible start by taking a Grade 3 at Punchestown, and Ravenhill.

If the ground were to come up heavy, it would cast doubt over Galvin's participation, according to Elliott. He said: "I really hope it doesn't get too soft and, if it does, he wouldn't be a certain runner. He's come out of Punchestown in great form and we'd love to run him anyway."

Elliott added: "It's great to have Ravenhill back in action and he could be a horse for the Grand National later in the season."

Paul Nicholls is relishing the challenge of taking on the home guard with King George winner Frodon, who will be partnered by Bryony Frost.

He said: "Galvin has done well but achieved no more than Frodon has. Frodon won last year's King George, also right-handed and over three miles and the distance suits him well. For me, Galvin's got it all to do as he's stepping up in grade, although he's a good horse.

"Minella Indo is a Gold Cup winner but ultimately three and a quarter miles around Cheltenham is a bit different from three miles at Down Royal.

"I'm hoping we've got a great chance. He's very fit and well, was there this morning and is in great shape."

Rachael Blackmore is reunited with Minella Indo, who will be seen for the first time since landing the Gold Cup under Jack Kennedy in March. Trainer Henry de Bromhead said: "He's in great form and working well. This was always the plan for him."

Big-race analysis: Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Minella Indo poised to make perfect start to campaign (Members' Club)

Saturday previews and analysis:

2.10 Ascot: 'He's very unexposed' – find out who's flying under the radar in handicaps

2.30 Wetherby: D-day for star hurdler Paisley Park with switch to fences under consideration

2.45 Ascot: Editeur may just have the edge in round three between two progressive chasers

3.05 Wetherby: The Cyrname conundrum: do you play or lay the Charlie Hall favourite?

3.20 Ascot: can classy Vinndication confirm himself a Graded performer in a handicap?

3.25 Down Royal: 'He's taking on the best horse ever to look through a bridle' – Envoi rivals

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