Eskylane gives Elliott another treble

Gordon Elliott continued his profitable afternoon when 4/1 joint favourite Eskylane led home a one-two for the trainer in the Dr Emma Clinics Handicap Hurdle (Grade B).

The Flemensfirth gelding chased the leaders and travelled strongly throughout under Jack Kennedy (double after Mighty Potter who was replacing Davy Russell (stood down for the day after a fall in the previous race).

Eskylane was on terms two out and was driven clear before the last to beat stablemate and fellow 4/1 joint favourite Magic Tricks by four and a half lengths. Future Proof (40/1) ran well in third but only six completed with five horse being pulled up and Yafordadoe held when falling two out.

The winner was completing another Down Royal treble for Elliott (also had one on Friday) after earlier winners Fil Dor and Mighty Potter and was shortened to 8/1 from 20s for the Greatwood Hurdle next month at Cheltenham.

"I thought the two of them had good chances," said Elliott.

"This horse was obviously fifth in the Cheltenham bumper and was very disappointing all last season.

"We tweaked a couple of things with him and it just showed that it looked like he was well in there.

"He ran very well (in Listowel) and came on a lot from the run.

"Jack gave him a wonderful ride, it is unfortunate for David (Russell) that he couldn't ride him.

"He's bred to stay, and has won a nice pot so that is great.

"He's in the Greatwood but we'll see, we might just keep him away for Christmas.

"The runner-up (Magic Tricks) deserves to win a big one but his day will come."

Quotes from Michael Graham