Elliott’s tried and tested strategy

WAS it any real surprise that bar Delta Work in the crosscountry chase, not one of Gordon Elliott’s other 14 entries for the handicaps on Trials day at Cheltenham fulfilled their engagement? It was deja vu, with Elliott often entering horses for this fixture without any real intent to commit. He is evidently taking the opportunity to get a sighting on handicap marks ahead of the festival. It makes sense, as why wait until nearer the time to know whether one has a good chance in March and another has none? It’s a case of testing the water without actually crossing it.