Champion Bumper favourite American Mike bids to join illustrious roll of honour

Exciting youngster American Mike will bid to follow in the footsteps of Don Cossack, Death Duty, Samcro, Envoi Allen and Sir Gerhard as Gordon Elliott treads a familiar path with his Weatherbys Champion Bumper favourite.

An impressive point-to-point winner who fetched £195,000 before making a successful bumper debut for Elliott at Down Royal in October, the Bective Stud-owned four-year-old is already a general 7-2 chance for Cheltenham glory.

Should he score in Saturday's Listed Future Champions INH Flat Race (3.30) on his way to striking in March, he would become the third winner of the Navan contest in four years to follow up at Cheltenham.

Elliott said: "He's in good form and we always thought he was a nice horse. He's improved from Down Royal and we were expecting that from him there."

American Mike: already just 7-2 for the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham in MarchCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Elliott will also be represented by recent Listed mares' bumper runner-up Harmonya Maker, the mount of Lisa O'Neill with Jamie Codd partnering American Mike.

The trainer added: "She's a smart filly and this could be a good chance for her to pick up more black type."

There will be plenty of interest in the three maiden hurdles which kick off the card, particularly the third event over 2m4f at 12.35 as ultra-impressive bumper winner Journey With Me makes his first start over hurdles.

Already prominent in the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle market at 16-1, he represents connections of last year's winner Bob Olinger, having already won the same bumper as that horse at Gowran Park in March.

Unbeaten Listed bumper winner Belle Metal is another name to note on the card as she returns in the 2m maiden hurdle for four-year-olds (12.05).

Trained by Willie Mullins and a 16-1 chance for the Mares' Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham, she was snapped up by Honeysuckle's owner Kenny Alexander after her impressive debut win at Limerick.

Alexander's racing manager Peter Molony said: "She grew nicely over the summer and Willie has been very pleased with her. I don't think the ground will be an issue."

Peter Molony on Belle Metal: 'She grew nicely over the summer and Willie has been very pleased with her'

Randox Grand National third Any Second Now will bid to take advantage of an 18lb lower mark over hurdles in the Grade B Tara Handicap Hurdle (1.10) over 2m4f.

Owner JP McManus's racing manager Frank Berry said: "He ran a blinder at Aintree and Ted Walsh is very happy with him. He's ready to start back and this is a lovely track for him to do that."

Berry added of Morosini, McManus's other representative: "He's probably lost his way a little bit, but hopefully this will suit him."

Ciel De Neige, representing McManus and Mullins, impressed when winning on his chasing debut at Thurles last month and bids to follow up in the 2m4f rated novice chase (2.20).

Berry said: "He seemed to love it at Thurles when jumping great. Fingers crossed he'll be bang there again if doing the same as last time."

Saturday's race previews:

1.50 Ascot: has the handicapper given 'frustrating' Palmers Hill a winning chance?

2.05 Haydock: 'I don't know how good he is' – Oliver Sherwood in the dark over Little Awkward

2.25 Ascot: trainer insight on Thyme Hill, Paisley Park, Ronald Pump and more

2.40 Haydock: 'Unfortunate' Ladbrokes Trophy faller Remastered gets shot at redemption

3.00 Ascot: 'He comes alive here' – veteran Regal Encore back for more at favourite track

3.35 Ascot: 'He's got a real chance' – analysis and key quotes for valuable handicap hurdle

FESTIVE OFFER: Racing Post Members' Club 50% off for three months!

'Tis the season to be jolly, and the perfect time to celebrate with a subscription to Racing Post Members' Club!

Featuring award-winning journalism, expert tips and renowned form study tools, this is the only racing subscription you need to stay ahead of the field.

Throughout the festive season you can get 50% off your first THREE months of Members' Club Ultimate. That's just £17.48 per month* to unlock all premium features.

Head to the offer page here to find out more!

*T&Cs apply