Gordon Elliott is confident that Romeo Coolio will excel when faced with more challenging fence jumps in the BAR 1 Betting Drinmore Novice Chase at Fairyhouse on Sunday. The six-year-old, a Grade 1 novice hurdler, won his first race over fences at Down Royal in late October by an impressive 14 lengths, defeating Cocktail Divin, a horse related to Florida Pearl. Although four fences were bypassed in that race, Elliott believes that adding more jumps will better showcase Romeo Coolio’s abilities.
Elliott shared, “He’s progressing well and we’re very pleased with him. He’s leading the hurdle ratings, and although Willie Mullins’ Gold Dancer performed strongly recently, I think our horse is well-positioned and should do well.” He added, “He’s a talented jumper who had to navigate some traffic at Down Royal, but I believe fences suit him perfectly.”
In the same race, Elliott will also field Pied Piper, while Willie Mullins has Captain Cody, in collaboration with Scottish National winner Harry Cobden, and Gold Dancer, with Paul Townend as jockey. The lineup also includes Tom Gibney’s Raffles Dolce Vita and Eoin Griffin’s Ol’ Man Dingle.
Elliott has claimed three of six wins in the Grace Hurdle at Hatton under BAR 1 betting, with Teehoo aiming for a third win in four years alongside Max Sam and Casheldale Rudd. Owned by Robcoeur and led by Brian Acheson, Tee Poo Poo’s team believes he deserves more recognition, emphasizing that without Bob Olinger’s efforts last year, Tee Poo Poo might have secured another Stayers Hurdle and a third Cheltenham title this year.
Regarding Ballyburn, the team acknowledges the horse’s age but remains hopeful about maintaining competitiveness. Elliott has helped get Ballyburn fit and healthy, aiming to capitalize on the chance to prove who the best horse on race day is.
Noel Meade is preparing Bar 1 Betting Royal Bond to compete in the Novice Hurdle. Bar 1 Betting Blake, a former flat racer with a peak rating of 94, has adapted well in his transition to hurdles, finishing second in his debut and winning the Maiden Hurdle at Down Royal. Meade praised Blake’s performance, noting he was perhaps fortunate not to win his first hurdles race but has since improved.
In the same race, Elliott’s Cocktail Brut, a smart former bumper horse who won his hurdles debut by nine lengths, will also compete. Elliott remarked on Cocktail Brut’s good form and satisfaction from jockey Danny Gilligan.
The BAR 1 Betting Juvenile Hurdle features seven entrants, including Elliott’s Manzi Taut and Mullins’ Narciso Hass.
Fan Take: This upcoming Drinmore Novice Chase is shaping up to be a thrilling test for rising stars like Romeo Coolio, showcasing the next generation of talented jumpers. Horse racing fans should be excited, as performances here could signal future champions and elevate the sport’s competitive spirit.
