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Gordon Elliott hoping Synopsis can recapture Cheltenham form in Opera Hat

Synopsis (Richard Johnson) flies the last to win the mares' handicap chase at Cheltenham in December
Synopsis: en route to winning at CheltenhamCredit: Mark Cranham

2.10 Naas
BBA Ireland Opera Hat Mares Chase (Listed) | 5yo+ | 2m | RTV/ITV4

Gordon Elliott is hoping Synopsis can bounce back from a disappointing effort on her most recent start at Huntingdon in the second of Naas's ITV4-televised races which, with a total prize fund of €32,500, rates the most valuable event of the day.

The Listed highlight is named after multiple winner Opera Hat, who achieved nine of her 15 wins at the track.

Speaking on Friday, Elliott, who is also represented by Mrs Lovett, said: "I was delighted with Synopsis when she won at Cheltenham in December, but her jumping let her down at Huntingdon last time and she struggled before eventually being pulled up. If she comes back to her Cheltenham form, I think she'll run very well."

Elliott added: "Mrs Lovett was progressing nicely over fences earlier in the season and when she won a mares' handicap chase at Fairyhouse a couple of months ago, I thought she might be another to get black type over fences.

"She ran poorly at Warwick last time and I’m going to draw a line through that run. She’s been given plenty of time since and looks to be in good order, so I’m hoping she’ll give a good account."

Willie Mullins, successful with Benie Des Dieux a year ago, runs Pravalaguna, an eight-length winner at Limerick in December.

"She's coming back almost half a mile in trip but we think she has enough pace for two miles, although she'd prefer slower ground," said Mullins.

Taking a bigger drop in distance is the Ross O'Sullivan-trained Baie Des Isles, who was last seen being pulled-up in the Welsh Grand National over 3m5½f is now blinkered for the first time.

"In an ideal world we'd be running her over a bit further but we think that a small field and a run over this distance will sharpen her up for the spring time," O'Sullivan said of Ruby Walsh's mount.

"The ground shouldn't pose any problems, although any rain would be welcome and it's a race that fits in well to her season."

The field is completed by the in-form Teacher's Pet and outsiders Echoes Of Family and Miss Titanic.


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Tony O'HehirRacing Post Reporter

Published on 8 February 2019inPreviews

Last updated 17:17, 8 February 2019

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