Samcro v The Machine: key questions as Elliott ace takes on Faugheen over fences

Matchbook Betting Exchange Novice Chase | Grade 1 | 2m3½f | 4yo+ | RTV

Will Samcro boost his festival claims?

The exciting Samcro is back in business and seeking to advertise his Cheltenham Festival prospects following his dramatic exit from the Grade 1 Drinmore Novice Chase at Fairyhouse this month when pressing Fakir D'Oudairies for the lead.

Debate has raged over what would have happened had the Gordon Elliott-trained seven-year-old survived the penultimate fence and, with Fakir D'Oudairies on a different mission at Leopardstown, Samcro heads a cast of seven for the Limerick showpiece.

Winner of the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham in 2018, Samcro scored by 17 lengths on his chasing debut at Down Royal last month and will be bidding to give Elliott a third consecutive win in the event, and owners Gigginstown House Stud a sixth victory in the race.

Of Jack Kennedy's mount, Elliott said: "Samcro was none the worse for his Fairyhouse experience. We'll never know what would have happened but Jack was very happy with how he was travelling.

"He's in great form and has schooled well since the Drinmore. The ground and the trip will be fine and we're looking forward to the race."

Elliott is also represented by the mare Tintangle, winner of two of her three starts over fences.

"Tintangle looks up against it and we'll be delighted if she could finish in the first three or four," Elliott said.

Can Faugheen fend off younger rivals?

Patrick Mulllins teams up with Faugheen for the first time since partnering the star veteran to a 22-length win in a bumper at Punchestown in May 2013.

A lot has happened in the interim with Faugheen, who will officially be 12 on New Year's Day, scaling the heights with multiple Grade 1 victories over hurdles before making a belated start over fences at Punchestown last month when he overcame a dreadful blunder to win by seven and a half lengths.

Faugheen is spring-heeled as he negotiates one of his fences on his Punchestown chasing debutCredit: Patrick McCann

A course winner over hurdles in his youth, Faugheen is in great shape according to his trainer Willie Mullins, who added: "The trip and the ground will suit, but this will be a tougher test for him."

Could there be an upset on the cards?

Off You Go, whose four wins over hurdles included two valuable handicaps at Leopardstown, takes on the two market leaders having fallen at the final fence on his second chase start at Fairyhouse last month.

Charles Byrnes, trainer of the JP McManus-owned six-year-old, said: "It looks a hot race with Samcro and Faugheen in the line-up and our fellow has plenty on his plate. He ran well at Fairyhouse and might have finished second to Carefully Selected but for falling.

"He's in good form but looking at the race realistically he'll do well to get close to the big two."

Castlebrook, who beat subsequent winner Stones And Roses at Wexford before finishing third to Getabird at Gowran Park, represents Jimmy Mangan.

He said: "Castlebrook is a massive horse and we like him a lot. He loves plenty of ease in the ground and we're hoping he runs well, but it looks very competitive."

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