Title-chasing Elliott happy to play numbers' game in valuable event

Killashee Handicap Hurdle (Grade B) | 2m 1/2f, 4yo+ | RTE1/ATR

A maiden trainers' title will spur on Gordon Elliott all week and valuable handicaps like this will be crucial if he is to maintain his lead over Willie Mullins.

Elliott has strong claims in this €60,000 contest, fielding Sanibel Island, Veinard and Dakota Moirette, while his title rival Willie Mullins takes a rather different approach by relying solely on Pique Sous, who seems to be operating at a notch or two below his best form.

His jumping was not as slick as it can be at Cork last time and he also has the burden of top weight as he attempts to land some valuable prize-money.

Such is the scintillating form of Jessica Harrington’s string that her runners will command a lot of attention this week, and her representative, recent Flat winner Light That, should appreciate the good to yielding ground.

What they say

Willie Mullins, trainer of Pique Sous
Click here to view his column.

Tony Martin, trainer of Tudor City
He'd been knocking on the door for a long time prior to his Fairyhouse win and has come out of the race in good shape - hopefully he can go in again.

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Sanibel Island, Veinard and Dakota Moirette
Veinard probably has the best chance. He's run well in some good handicaps, including when second at Fairyhouse last week in what looked a stronger race than this one. Sanibel Island has won a couple of times and things didn't go right for him at Downpatrick last time. Dakota Moirette has a nice low weight and has an outside chance.

Jessica Harrington, trainer of Light That
Light That is in great order and is fit and well from the Flat. He won a mile and a quarter handicap at Cork ten days ago and the better ground will suit.

Henry de Bromhead, trainer of Adreamstillalive
She's had a great season so far and seems to be in good form so we're taking our chance with her again.

Noel Meade, trainer of Clara Sorrento
He hung quite badly at Fairyhouse, which would explain his poor run there, and if he doesn't hang I would expect him to run well.