'I said he'd win or pull up' - Elliott joy as Conflated shocks Gold Cup rivals

Saturday: Leopardstown

Who saw that coming? Gordon Elliott pulled a Grade 1 masterstroke to plunder his second Irish Gold Cup in three years when 18-1 outsider Conflated caused a major upset to emerge as a new contender for the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

In a race in which seven of the eight runners had already won at the highest level, it was the one who had not previously run in an open Grade 1 who blew the field apart by six and a half lengths under Davy Russell for Gigginstown House Stud.

A Navan handicap chase winner off 145 last time, there seemed to be some uncertainty earlier in the week as to whether Conflated would even line up in the Paddy Power-backed feature, given he also held a handicap entry at Leopardstown on Sunday.

Gordon Elliott: landed second Irish Gold Cup with ConflatedCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

However, an ambitious move from Elliott to pitch the 157-rated performer into the Dublin Racing Festival's most valuable contest reaped huge dividends.

"I said to Eddie [O’Leary] before the race he’d either win or pull up," said an elated Elliott, who had hit the crossbar with seconds in the other three Grade 1s on the afternoon.

Irish Gold Cup: full result, replay and analysis

"He has a massive engine but he’s not very straightforward. He’s a good horse on his day. He’s very hot and cold, and he was hot today."

Elliott added: "It’s great for Gigginstown. They’re big supporters of Cullentra. Obviously they’re not up in numbers, but hopefully Michael will enjoy this and he might get a few more."

It ended up being a decisive success for Conflated, although plenty held chances at the third-last when the improving eight-year-old outjumped Frodon to take the lead. At the same moment, well-backed 5-2 favourite Asterion Forlonge made progress in fifth with a slick leap.

Last year's winner Kemboy was still there at the second-last when the writing looked on the wall for Frodon, while Asterion Forlonge did what Asterion Forlonge does, halting his momentum with a mistake at a crucial moment.

Conflated clears a fence on his way to a big-race victory under Davy RussellCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Conflated showed a smart turn of foot that seemed to catch out Minella Indo in behind, and when Russell put his foot to the accelerator rounding the home turn he built up an unassailable lead, leaving Kemboy struggling and Janidil attempting to pick up the pieces.

Minella Indo, partnered for the first time by Robbie Power, did stay on, but it wasn't enough to reel in the shock winner. Janidil was a respectable third without threatening, while Asterion Forlonge stayed on past Kemboy for fourth.

Mullins an irresistible force but resurgent Elliott remains an immovable object (Members' Club)

There appeared to be some market confidence behind the winner too as odds of 50-1 about Conflated, who unseated when sent off 4-1 favourite for this season's Kerry National, evaporated throughout the afternoon.

However, Russell, who received a two-day whip ban for excessive frequency, did not have huge expectations in the €250,000 event, describing himself as "very surprised" by the performance.

All smiles: Davy Russell and Camilla Sharples celebrated Conflated's upset winCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

The winner was cut to 12-1 (from 66) with BoyleSports for the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup, and Elliott said: "We've got the Gold Cup, Ryanair and Grand National as options. We'll have a chat with everyone and make a decision."

Henry de Bromhead was encouraged by what he saw from Minella Indo on his first start since he flopped in the King George. "We're delighted with him," he said.

"He jumped really well and I thought he and Robbie clicked really well. He stayed on after they sort of quickened away from him. It's lovely to see him back running like he does.

"I think he'll come on again from today. This time of year seems to suit him and he looks to be a better horse when he gets to Cheltenham in March."

Willie Mullins said: "Janidil kept on really well and I'm very happy with how he stayed out that trip. The deader ground probably didn't suit Kemboy. Asterion Forlonge was staying but walked through the second-last – he seems to do that. Some day he'll get it right. Cilaos Emery was unlucky to unship Sean [O'Keeffe at the 11th]."

Racing Post ace tipsters nail the 18-1 winner

While the result was a surprise to many, viewers of the Racing Post’s Friday night YouTube tipping show In The Know would have been less taken aback after Conflated was put up at a huge 50-1 by our top tipsters Tom Segal and Paul Kealy.

Members' Club Ultimate subscribers can get both Tom Segal and Paul Kealy’s unmissable tipping advice every week and during big festivals, and anyone looking to join up can take advantage of a special offer that gives you your first month for £14.99. Sign up here or scroll down for full details.

Read more Saturday reports:

Expert jury: 'He was wildly impressive and is one of the most fluent jumpers around'

Irish Arkle: Blue Lord survives stewards' inquiry to continue Willie Mullins hot streak

Leopardstown: 'He looks the real deal' - new Champion Bumper favourite dazzles Willie Mullins

Spring Juvenile Hurdle: Vauban vying for Triumph Hurdle favouritism after awesome Spring Juvenile win

Leopardstown: 'It was a fantastic performance' - Minella Cocooner slashed for Albert Bartlett

Scilly Isles: 'I gave it a Superman' - Deutsch delight at first Grade 1 with L'Homme Presse

Sandown: Josh Moore enjoys first success of comeback and rewards punter's £75,000 bet

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