Better Days Ahead leads home an Elliott 1-2-3 in Grade 2 novice chase

Better Days Ahead completed a treble for Gordon Elliott at Navan when leading home a 1-2-3 for the trainer in the Grade 2 William Hill Best Odds Guaranteed Novice Chase.

The 1/2 favourite led from four out but needed to be driven right out on the run-in by Sam Ewing to hold off Stellar Story by a neck. Three Card Brag spoiled his chance with a bad blunder six out and couldn’t find any extra from before the last finishing a further four and three-quarter lengths away in third.

Elliott said, “Better Days Ahead wasn't doing a stroke in front. It wasn't ideal, he needs something to make it. Jordan (Gainford on Three Card Brag) took him along for as long as he could and probably ran a good race in his own right.

"I was thrilled with Stellar Story. He keeps guessing at his fences and I told Danny (Gilligan) to try and get him around and try to get a bit of confidence into him. He gave him a brilliant ride - probably a bit unlucky. Number one, we had to try and get him around.

"I'd imagine Brown Advisory for Better Days Ahead and Stellar Story could go Brown Advisory as well.

"Three Card Brag needed that run to qualify for the Aintree Grand National."

Elliott also won the other Grade 2 event on the card, the William Hill Top Price Guarantee Boyne Hurdle, with Maxxum while Honesty Policy initiated the treble in the opening maiden hurdle.

Quotes by Michael Graham