Samcro may join Presenting Percy and Delta Work in powerful Elliott Savills team

Samcro could join stablemates Presenting Percy and last year's winner Delta Work in what would be a first try at three miles under rules in Leopardstown's Savills Chase over Christmas.

The possible presence of last season's Marsh Novices' Chase hero in the scintillating Grade 1 highlight adds further intrigue to what could be one of the hottest runnings of the 3m test in recent memory, with top-notch operators Minella Indo, A Plus Tard, Fakir D'oudairies, Kemboy and Champ also in contention.

Trainer Gordon Elliott, who will bid for a third win in the €150,000 prize on December 28, says there should be improvement to come from Delta Work after his fifth to The Storyteller at Down Royal in October.

He also believes Presenting Percy has the right credentials to have a major say in the race he finished fifth in 12 months ago.

Gordon Elliott on Delta Work: 'We were happy with his run at Down Royal and hopefully he'll come on again from that'Credit: Patrick McCann

"It's quite possible that Samcro could run in the Savills Chase," said Elliott. "It'd be his first run under rules over three miles, and trying that on what's likely to be decent ground at Leopardstown could be a good option."

He added: "Delta Work naturally progresses throughout the season and has done so in the past. We were happy with his run at Down Royal and hopefully he'll come on again from that.

"We were delighted to see Presenting Percy do what he did at Thurles last time. He's in good form and should come on from that. He probably doesn't have that much to find to be in the mix."

The Grand National and Gold Cup-winning trainer hasn't ruled out running Ladbrokes Champion Chase hero The Storyteller in the Savills Chase too, but the top-level Christmas Hurdle, a race the trainer has won in four of the last five years, is also under consideration.

Presenting Percy: got back to winning ways in the Boomerang.ie Chase at ThurlesCredit: Patrick McCann

He said: "The Storyteller has an entry in the Savills but also has the option of heading for the Christmas Hurdle over three miles. He's got some good form over hurdles and it's possible he could go there. Fury Road could run in the same race too."

Sire Du Berlais, who did not feature among the final declarations for Saturday's Porsche Long Walk Hurdle, also holds an entry for the contest won by Apple's Jade for the past three years.

Leading Unibet Champion Hurdle contender Abacadabras is also on course to represent Elliott in the Grade 1 Matheson Hurdle on December 29, a race that could see a rematch of the Morgiana Hurdle in which the Gigginstown-owned six-year-old edged out Saint Roi.

"We were delighted with him in the Morgiana last time," said Elliott. "He won at Leopardstown last Christmas and we're looking forward to seeing how he gets on."

Abacadabras (leader): landed the Unibet Morgiana Hurdle when last seen at PunchestownCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Fellow Meath trainer Gavin Cromwell will also aim to unwrap a Christmas gift at Leopardstown next week, with last season's Champion Hurdle third Darver Star set to line up in the Grade 1 Racing Post Novice Chase over 2m1f.

The top-class hurdler made a hugely exciting start to his chasing career at Punchestown in October before failing to back that up behind Felix Desjy a month later in Grade 2 company.

"It's all systems go for Leopardstown with him," said Cromwell. "He had a small wind procedure since his last start and we've been happy with what he's been doing. The plan is for him to run on the 26th."

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