'I think he'll outrun his odds' - Gordon Elliott on his Ten Up Novice Chase team

Sunday: 4.05 Navan
BetVictor Ten Up Novice Chase (Grade 2) | 3m | 5yo+ | RTV

Gordon Elliott and Gigginstown House Stud seemingly hold the key to this six-runner Grade 2, which could provide some clues for the Cheltenham Festival.

Run Wild Fred, one of three in the race for Elliott and four for Gigginstown, is the headline act given his prominence in the National Hunt Chase picture, heading into Sunday as 3-1 joint-favourite with some firms for that target alongside Stattler.

Run Wild Fred (right): admirable second to Freewheelin Dylan in last year's BoyleSports Irish Grand NationalCredit: Caroline Norris (racingpost.com/photos)

His mark of 158 is 6lb higher than that of Beacon Edge, his nearest rival on ratings who must give 7lb to the field.

With Davy Russell, who rode Run Wild Fred when winning the Troytown Chase here in November, and Jack Kennedy serving suspensions, Mark Walsh has received the call-up to reunite with Run Wild Fred, having won a Grade 3 novice hurdle at Punchestown on the talented eight-year-old in 2020.

Bryan Cooper partners stablemate Farouk D'Alene, who emerged with plenty of credit from his last two starts when just denied by Master McShee in the Grade 1 Faugheen Novice Chase at Limerick, and when second to Stattler in Grade 3 company at Naas.

Conditions could suit Farouk D'Alene better than the Noel Meade-trained Beacon Edge, winner of the Grade 1 Drinmore Novice Chase on ground described as good earlier this season.

Beacon Edge (right): edged out Gabynako to win the Bar One Racing Drinmore Novice Chase in NovemberCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

However, Beacon Edge did plunder the Boyne Hurdle on this card 12 months ago when conditions were deemed heavy.

Cork Grand National winner Braeside will relish the testing ground and could enhance his National Hunt Chase credentials, while Antey, making his second start since switching to Patrick Griffin, and Lieutenant Command need to improve.

Elliott: 'Farouk D'Alene will love the ground'

Gordon Elliott has indicated that testing ground may suit Farouk D'Alene more than Run Wild Fred, outlining Cheltenham Festival plans for the pair before Sunday's assignment.

"Run Wild Fred looks to be well suited by the conditions of the race," said the Cullentra trainer.

"The ground will be testing enough, and that's not ideal, but he's in good form and we're looking forward to running him."

On Farouk D'Alene, Elliott added: "He'll love the ground. He's in good nick and hopefully this looks a good race for him too.

Farouk D'Alene: narrowly beaten in a Grade 1 at LimerickCredit: David Keane (racingpost.com/photos)

"At the moment we're thinking about running Run Wild Fred in the National Hunt Chase and Farouk D'Alene in the Brown Advisory."

Braeside failed to fire when pulled up in the Thyestes Chase at Gowran last month, but the leading trainer has suggested the mount of Jamie Codd could be underestimated in the market.

Elliott said: "His Paddy Power Chase run was a very good one on better ground, but he also won the Cork Grand National on heavy, so I don't think he's going to have a problem with these conditions.

"It just didn't happen for him last time in the Thyestes at Gowran but he's in good form and I think he'll outrun his odds."

Flanagan expecting Grade 1 hero Beacon Edge to bounce back

Sean Flanagan believes topweight Beacon Edge could be the class act of the race, and described a sixth-fence fall last time in the Ladbrokes Novice Chase behind Galopin Des Champs as being out of character.

"It was very unlike him as he's been brilliant," said the jockey. "He actually seemed to jump the fence fine but didn't get the landing gear out. He's schooled well since.

"It might not be ideal giving weight away on heavy ground over three miles, but he goes there with every chance and is in great form. He's probably the classiest horse in the race. Hopefully, this can get him back on track."

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