'That'd put a smile on your face' - Elliott left purring over Tiger Roll workout

Despite the fading light on a cold evening at Leopardstown, the twinkle in Gordon Elliott's eye was clear to see after Tiger Roll delighted the leading trainer in a key workout under Davy Russell after racing on Monday.

A total of 38 Cheltenham Festival candidates from Elliott's Cullentra House yard worked in three lots at the Dublin venue, including leading Boodles Gold Cup contenders Galvin and Conflated.

Elliott described himself as overwhelmingly happy with what he saw, but it was dual Grand National winner Tiger Roll who appeared to really excite his senses.

"That would put a smile on your face, wouldn't it?" said Elliott, who is set to send his biggest ever team of roughly 55 horses to Prestbury Park next week.

Tiger Roll and Keith Donoghue are clear in last year's Glenfarclas ChaseCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

"We've been training him for Cheltenham and he's in great form. We couldn't be any happier with him. He worked really, really well."

Elliott added: "There are no negatives with any of them who worked. I'm happy with them all, but Tiger would fairly catch your eye going by there.

"We brought 38 here and I think we have another 27 coming tomorrow morning. I couldn't be happier and hopefully we can get them all there [to Cheltenham] in one piece.

"It's nice to get them away from home and this is only an hour's travelling away. It's not all about working them and really dipping them, it's about getting them away for a day, getting their blood up and getting one of the final bits of work into them.

"They'll do plenty at home now, maybe a little quicken up the gallop, but we're nearly there with most of them."

Galvin and Davy Russell prepare to work at Leopardstown on MondayCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Elliott said that no decision has yet been made on whether Conflated will run in the Ryanair Chase or the Gold Cup, but the Irish Gold Cup winner and Galvin impressed in one of their final sessions before next week.

"Davy was very happy with Galvin – he quickened twice and looked great," said Elliott.

"Conflated was a bit keen with Jack [Kennedy], but he said he felt very, very good. He had one little blow that should leave him spot on, so we're very happy. There's been no call on where Conflated will run yet. I'll have a chat with Michael and Eddie and we'll see."

Elliott added: "Queens Brook galloped well. Jamie [Codd] was very happy with Ginto – he definitely goes to the Ballymore. That should suit him.

Champion Bumper contender American Mike (Jamie Codd, right). in action at Leopardstown on MondayCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

"Jack and Robbie [Power] were thrilled with their horses for the Champion Hurdle [Zanahiyr and Teahupoo]. They've got a very big task, but we're very happy with them.

"Jamie was thrilled with American Mike, who worked with Fury Road. He said American Mike was spot on and felt great. Fury Road might not always run like a machine, but he's one of the best work horses we have in the yard."

Emmet Mullins was another to put some of his string through their paces after racing on Monday, while a selection of Joseph O'Brien's Flat performers were also in action.

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