Elliott sets sights on Dan Moore prize

Gordon Elliott appears to hold all the aces as he bids for a third successive win in the BetVictor Dan Moore Memorial Chase at Fairyhouse on Saturday.

The Cullentra handler has claimed the 100,000 euro handicap in each of the last two seasons, striking gold with Ball D’Arc in 2017 and Doctor Phoenix 12 months ago.

This year Elliott is responsible for four of the 10 declared runners, with top-weight A Toi Phil joined by stablemates Duca De Thaix Tycoon Prince and Cubomania — although the latter has also been declared to run at Punchestown on Sunday.

Willie Mullins — who last claimed this prize with Turban in 2014 — relies on the JP McManus-owned Blazer

The Network gelding was runner-up behind stablemate and subsequent dual Grade One winner Sharjah in the Galway Hurdle and ran his best race since when sixth in the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas.

He drops almost a full mile in trip for his latest big-race assignment.

Patrick Mullins, assistant to his father, said: “Blazer is in good form and if he can reproduce his run in the Galway Hurdle then he must go there with every chance.”

John Ryan is looking forward to running his stable stalwart Kylecrue who was last seen finishing second at Limerick.

Ryan said: “He’s in great form and I think he’s going there with a proper chance.

“Liam Quinlan rode him the last day, but he’s suspended so Donagh Meyler rides. He knows the horse well and gets on well with him.

“We’ve had a few horses placed in this race. Kilcarry Bridge was second last year and Draycott Place has been placed in as well, so it would be nice to win it.

“He’s certainly not going there without chance.”

Henry de Bromhead saddles both Three Stars and Avenir D’Une Vie, while Ted and Ruby Walsh team up with Kildorrey.

The Noel Meade-trained Bel Ami De Sivola completes the field.