Teahupoo and Brighterdaysahead on course for Cheltenham glory

In preparation for Teahupoo's title defence this season, Gordon Elliott remains unwavering in his winning strategy.

The seven-year-old has kicked off his last two campaigns by claiming back-to-back victories in the Bar One Racing Hatton’s Grace Hurdle and is set to head to Fairyhouse at the start of December once again.

In his last two campaigns, the seven-year-old has achieved consecutive triumphs in the Bar One Racing Hatton's Grace Hurdle, setting the stage for a trip to Fairyhouse, which is where he’ll head again in December.

Last season, he went from strength to strength by claiming the Stayers’ Hurdle at Cheltenham before turning in a similar performance at Punchestown.

Elliott said: “He’s in great form. He’s not fancy at home, he just does what he has to do.

“We’ve got it in our heads to do the same thing as last year and go down the same route with him – Fairyhouse, Cheltenham and back to Punchestown.”

Stablemate Brighterdaysahead is also off the mark after a strong performance at Down Royal and could follow several paths en route to the Mares’ Hurdle at Cheltenham.

“She’s in the Morgiana (Punchestown, November 23), she’s in the Hatton’s Grace, but there’s no decision been made about where she’s going to go yet – I’ll have a chat with the lads this week but she’s come out of Down Royal really well and we’re looking forward to getting her out soon,” said Elliott.

“We toyed with going chasing but Michael wanted to stay hurdling, so that was the final decision. She’s only five and she’s got a lot of years in front of her, so I’m not disappointed. We’ve a lot of novice chasers this year.”

As for her preferred distance, the trainer added: “Good horses win over any trip, so going over two or three (miles) wouldn’t bother me.”