Racing post

If we turn the clock back to the start of the century when Noel Meade was consistently the champion trainer in Ireland and Gordon Elliott was still.

Everything has gone to plan with him in his prep and with a bit of luck in running he can run a big race. If the race isn't run to suit, we're at the mercy of what happens in front of us. I'd say he has improved a lot from his win at Gowran as he was green in the early stages. If they go quick enough and stop in front of him he might be able to pick them up. It was a real staying performance that day and hopefully he will be coming up the hill well. He's opted to ride Fact To File and I'm delighted to ride It's For Me. He's got all the attributes for it and I'm hopeful of a good run. He is a good horse if he brings his A-game. He's won his only bumper at Plumpton and has improved. The Gigginstown-owned King Of Kingsfield was underwhelming at Leopardstown last time behind Fascile Mode but looked a smart prospect at Down Royal on his previous start. Of course, that win came in a bumper with Candy Creek at the 2009 Grand National meeting. The trainer has always gone about his business quietly and doesn't send horses to Britain often.