Brighterdaysahead to be supplemented for Leopardstown

Brighterdaysahead is poised for a huge Christmas showdown against Lossiemouth, with connections intending to supplement the Gordon Elliott-trained mare for the December Hurdle at Leopardstown.

The Gigginstown House Stud-owned six-year-old was due to go novice chasing this term, having been successfully campaigned over hurdles for the past two seasons, but after a small setback slowed her progress she has yet to make her debut over fences.

She has bounced back from that issue, however, and while chasing is not ruled out altogether, Elliott has spotted an opportunity for her to retain her December Hurdle crown after the race was made to look a more open affair with the absence of State Man and the withdrawal of William Munny.

The trainer said of his star, who won the Leopardstown feature by a remarkable 30 lengths last term: “She worked very well last week.

“She’s going to work in the morning and if she works well and everything is OK she is going to be supplemented for the two-mile hurdle at Leopardstown (on December 29).”

Also due to line up at Leopardstown over the festive period is Romeo Coolio, last seen winning the Drinmore at Fairyhouse by an impressive eight lengths.

He will take his chance in the Racing Post Novice Chase over two miles and a furlong, a step down in trip from his two-and-a-half-mile victory last time out.

Elliott said: “He’s going to go to for the two-mile race. I think he’s probably better over further, but we’ll learn where we are going for the rest of the season after the 26th.”

Yard favourite Teahupoo has also been in good form recently, completing a hat-trick of wins in the Hatton’s Grace at Fairyhouse on his seasonal debut. He has the Christmas Hurdle at the Leopardstown meeting in his sights now.

Elliott added: “He’s going for the three-mile hurdle (at Leopardstown). He’s come out of Fairyhouse very well. He’s in good form.”