Ladbrokes Champion Chase: 'He has race fitness on his side' - Elliott on Galvin

Saturday: 2.32 Down Royal
Ladbrokes Champion Chase (Grade 1) | 3m | 5yo+ | ITV4/RTE2/RTV

Gordon Elliott has made Down Royal's two-day festival his own in recent years, and he looks set to take plenty of beating in the meeting's Grade 1 feature.

Savills Chase scorer Galvin was only just touched off in this race 12 months ago by British raider Frodon, but Paul Nicholls has opted to keep last year's hero on home soil for a tilt at Wincanton's Badger Beer Handicap Chase instead.

Could the absence of his old foe from last season leave the stage clear for Galvin to record an impressive 14th win from 23 starts? Quite possibly, but he faces a serious challenge from his own stable in improving stayer Conflated.

There was a real shock factor about Conflated's 18-1 Irish Gold Cup upset given he had won a handicap chase off a mark of 145 on his previous start, but the Gigginstown-owned eight-year-old has since proven there was no fluke about that performance.

Elliott was eager to run him in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, but it was the owner-sponsored Ryanair Chase that he contested in March, falling at the second last when fighting it out for second behind Allaho.

His best run yet, according to Racing Post Ratings, came when only beaten a length in second behind Clan Des Obeaux in the Betway Bowl at Aintree last time, and that RPR of 172 is deemed 1lb better than Galvin's best effort when winning last season's Savills Chase.

Official ratings also have 2lb between Conflated (168) and Galvin (166).

In the Ronnie Bartlett-owned stayer's favour, though, is the benefit of race sharpness. He gave 12lb and a five-and-a-half-length beating to Run Wild Fred in Grade 3 company at Punchestown last month, while Conflated also appears to be better going left-handed.

Four-time Grade 1 winner Kemboy would have a major chance on his best form – posting superior RPRs of 174 on three occasions – but it's difficult to know if he's the force of old as he turns 11 after next month.

Envoi Allen: unbeaten in his three previous starts at Down RoyalCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Envoi Allen makes only his second start over further than 2m5f, having been pulled up lame by Rachael Blackmore in a 3m½f Grade 1 novice chase at the 2021 Punchestown festival.

He remains a classy sort but doesn't have the same superstar quality as during his novice days, apparently hindered by breathing issues, but Down Royal has been a happy hunting ground for the 161-rated performer. He has collected on all three appearances at the track, admittedly in much weaker company.

Noel Meade has landed three of the last eight runnings of this race and saddles last season's Drinmore winner Beacon Edge, the lowest-rated runner of the quintet with a mark of 155.

His form tailed off towards the end of last season but he remains open to improvement at this distance.

Townend: Galvin the one to beat but Kemboy can find improvement

Paul Townend is hoping last year's Irish Gold Cup hero Kemboy can rekindle some of his old magic, as the champion jockey bids for his first winner since returning from an injury suffered at the Listowel harvest festival in September.

Willie Mullins is also chasing a first success in this race since the mighty Florida Pearl won the inaugural running in 1999.

"It's not often Willie has one ready for this race but Kemboy has had two nice runs lately and will give a good account of himself again," said Townend.

"He's finished behind Easy Game on his last two starts but has progressed with each run and I think he can improve again, which he will obviously have to."

Speaking in his Ladbrokes blog, Townend added: "Galvin looks the horse we all must beat. Envoi Allen is interesting stepping up to three miles. His only other try at this trip was too bad to be true so I think he's an intriguing one. Kemboy is an admirable horse and always consistent."

What they say

Noel Meade, trainer of Beacon Edge
He'd have been carrying a penalty if running in the Grade 2 on the same card and this turned out a small field. He looks to be more comfortable over three miles too so hopefully he'll run a nice race.

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Conflated and Galvin
Both head there in good form. Conflated has gotten very strong over the summer. He might be better racing left-handed but has won going right-handed before. Galvin has race fitness on his side after winning last time at Punchestown. That run should be a help to him coming here.

Saturday's British and Irish previews:

1.50 Wincanton: 'The handicapper has given him a chance' - can Frodon carry off another big win?

2.11 Aintree: Could the Topham prove the key to the Grand Sefton once again?

3.00 Wincanton: Can Sceau Royal land a fourth Elite Hurdle and make the race his own?

3.07 Down Royal: 'He has a great chance on ratings' - Grade 1 winner Fury Road makes seasonal bow

3.13 Doncaster: Can beautifully bred Israr strike another blow for the Classic generation?

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