Gordon Elliott advises Don Cossack caution

Elliott advises Cossack caution
(UKPA) 
The Press Association


Gordon Elliott has warned punters ante-post Champion Bumper favourite Don Cossack is "very doubtful" to make the journey to the Cheltenham Festival.


Since finishing fifth on his debut last spring, the five-year-old has turned in two impressive performances, winning by 18 lengths at Naas before landing a Grade Two prize at Navan.


Both Stan James and bet365 have the gelding at the head of their Cheltenham market, but Elliott does not believe it is the right way to go with his exciting youngster.


"He's fine, but I'd say it's very doubtful he'll go to Cheltenham. He's done very well to win his two races this season, but he's a nice horse with a big future and he'll either have just one more run this season or he won't run at all," said Elliott.


One Elliott inmate who is likely to cross the Irish Sea to line up at Prestbury Park in March is novice hurdler Mount Benbulben.


After winning in impressive fashion twice, the gelding suffered an odds-on reverse in Grade One company last time, but his trainer feels there were genuine excuses.


"We found he had a few back problems after his last run and he came back very stiff, but he's fine now," Elliott added.


"He could go straight to Cheltenham for the Albert Bartlett without having another run."