'I expect him to come forward and improve again, and he'll need to' - Gordon Elliott has Firefox primed for Heart Wood clash

Gordon Elliott v Henry de Bromhead, the beginners' chase winner with bags of potential v the battle-hardened handicapper having his final start in novice company.

This year's Drinmore concerns only two trainers but it is a fascinating contest nonetheless as Firefox, already second favourite for the Arkle following an emphatic first win over fences at Down Royal, takes on the 155-rated Heart Wood, who beat Corbetts Cross by seven lengths in a Listed chase at Wexford on his return to action 34 days ago.

This is the last chance for trainers to exploit the second-season novice status and Heart Wood, who won for the first time over fences at Leopardstown in February, will bid to follow in the footsteps of I Am Maximus who used his extra experience to good effect when winning the race last year.

I Am Maximus came into the race with a rating of 158 having won the previous season's Irish Grand National and Heart Wood is only rated 3lb lower. His Leopardstown Chase win at the Dublin Racing Festival may have been made more emphatic by the final-fence departure of Perceval Legallois, but he might have won anyway and that form is strong. He went on to finish third to Inowthewayurthinkin and Iroko in a Grade 1 at Aintree, so that sets the standard.

Heart Wood: made an impressive start to the season when beating Corbetts Cross at WexfordCredit: Patrick McCann

Having said, Firefox has the potential to surpass that level. He was one of last season's top novice hurdlers, placed in Grade 1s at Cheltenham, Aintree and Punchestown, and the way he attacked his fences at Down Royal suggests he can reach an even higher level over fences.

It was in the Drinmore that Elliott celebrated his first Grade 1 winner 14 years ago thanks to Jessie's Dream. He has since sent out Don Cossack (2013), No More Heroes (2015), Death Duty (2017), Delta Work (2018), Envoi Allen (2020) and Mighty Potter (2022) to score and Firefox could be the next name on the roll of honour.

The useful Mossy Fen Park ensured he got a true test at Down Royal and went toe-to-toe with him the whole way. What was most impressive was Firefox's jumping, which was electric at times and he improvised very well at the last when not on the perfect stride.

Firefox is as short as 6-1 for the Arkle and no bigger than 7-1 and victory here could see him get closer to Ballyburn at the top of that market.

Elliott has also declared Croke Park, Stellar Story and Shecouldbeanything, who are three serious talents in their own right. Croke Park and Stellar Story look out-and-out stayers so this trip could be on the sharp side and, while Shecouldbeanything has won her last four, these waters could be too deep for her.

Perhaps the biggest danger to the big two is Gorgeous Tom, the De Bromhead second string on jockey bookings. He is two from three over fences and the manner of his decisive success in a Grade 3 at Cork a few weeks ago marked him down as a six-year-old capable of competing for the top novice prizes over fences.

The trip and the ground should be ideal, but there is a nagging suspicion he might lack the class of Firefox.

What they say

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Croke Park, Firefox, Stellar Story and Shecouldbeanything
Firefox worked well at the Curragh this week. This has always been on the radar and you couldn't really ask any more than he did at Down Royal. He jumped well and won nicely. I expect him to come forward and improve again, and he'll need to as Heart Wood has a high rating and sets a decent standard. Croke Park is a big, old-fashioned staying chaser who jumped well on his chase debut. This trip might be on the sharp side. Stellar Story showed a good attitude to score last weekend at Punchestown. That race wouldn't have suited him and I think he's better than the bare form. Shecouldbeanything has won her last four and is an absolute star. This is a step up in grade but she never lets us down and I've no doubt she'll give another solid account of herself.

Henry de Bromhead, trainer of Gorgeous Tom and Heart Wood
Heart Wood is doing really well and seems to be in great form. It's the last time he can run in a novice chase so it made sense to come here. He's come out of his win at Wexford in great shape and we're looking forward to it. Gorgeous Tom has done great of late and keeps on improving. He deserves to take his chance in a race like this.

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