'Sam got a great tune out of him at Fairyhouse' - Croke Park the one to beat as Elliott's star novices get set to battle it out

Gordon Elliott clearly holds the key to the Racing Post Long Distance Novice Chase as the three main protagonists are trained in Cullentra. They are headed by Croke Park, who made his Grade 1 breakthrough in the Drinmore this month.

A Grade 3 winner over hurdles, he struggled when upped to Grade 1 company in that sphere, but seems a different proposition over fences having scored on both starts. 

He was the subject of a canny front-running ride from Sam Ewing in the Drinmore at Fairyhouse. He went tepid fractions in front but his mount impressed with the way he was able to quicken after the second-last given it looked like the the 2m4f trip would be on the sharp side for him.

He was allowed to dictate, but still showed an excellent attitude to repel the challenges of two smart types in Heart Wood and Firefox, while he produced some slick jumps when needed. This step up in trip will see him in an even better light, while he also has form on decent ground so is the one to beat.

Martin Pipe winner Better Days Ahead claimed the scalp of Slade Steel at NavanCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

It was no doubt a tough decision for Ewing on who to ride given Better Days Ahead made a sparkling debut over fences when beating Slade Steel at Navan. His jumping improved as the race wore on, although he did have a slight proclivity to jump to his left. He was good in fighting off the challenge of last season's Supreme winner, who let the form down a bit when failing to win at Naas next time.

Three miles and half a furlong will be no problem to Better Days Ahead given he was a good third over three miles in Grade 1 novice hurdle company at Punchestown last season. He promises to make up into an even better chaser.

Last season's Albert Bartlett winner Stellar Story wasn't overly impressive on his chase debut, but he did win a Grade 2 on that occasion when beating another talented novice in Search For Glory. The sedate gallop in a three-runner race wouldn't have played to his strengths, either.

He's a strong stayer, but the quicker ground here could put him under a bit of pressure.

Buddy One was a consistent Grade 1 hurdler last season and made a winning start over fences at Galway, but his effort at Cheltenham last time when finishing fourth of four was a bit underwhelming. He'll need plenty more to bounce back in this company.

What they say 

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Better Days Ahead, Croke Park and Stellar Story
Croke Park was brilliant in the Drinmore, when Sam [Ewing] got a great tune out of him. The further he went the better he looked and the step up in trip is sure to suit. All he does is jump and gallop. We knew he'd be a much better chaser than hurdler. Stellar Story won a messy race at Punchestown. That race didn't really suit anybody and he's probably better than the bare form. Better Days Ahead beat a very good horse at Navan and you'd imagine he'll relish the step up in trip. He seems to be getting better, and I've been thrilled with him since Navan. It's hard to split my three and I genuinely wouldn't be surprised no matter what the result is. Hopefully one of them will win it!

Read more . . .

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