Gordon Elliott hoping Ucello Conti can finally strike gold in the Thyestes Chase at Gowran Park on Thursday

GORDON ELLIOTT is hoping Ucello Conti can finally strike gold in the Goffs Thyestes Chase at Gowran on Thursday.

Elliott’s ten-year-old has consistently run big races since joining from France, but is yet to taste victory.

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He goes into the race off the back of another good effort when second to Anibale Fly in the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas.

Elliott said: “He loves testing ground and runs well every day he runs. He’s in very good form.

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“I’m running plenty as it’s a nice race and we haven’t won it yet, we’ve only been placed. It’s a great track and a great race.

“Ucello Conti has been knocking on the door in all those big handicaps, he’s a great horse and he deserves to win one like the Thyestes.”

Elliott is also keen to run Ucello Conti in the Grand National at Aintree for a third consecutive season.

He said: “The horse is probably his own worst enemy as he runs well every day. He’ll be going back to Aintree, all being well.”

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Elliott also saddles Flaxen Flare, Monbeg Notorious, Woods Well, Space Cadet and Out Sam.

Last year’s winner Champagne West is back to defend his crown for trainer Henry de Bromhead.

De Bromhead said: “He’s been a bit disappointing this year, to be honest, so we’re going back to where we’ve had success before.

“He handled conditions well last year but he’s 5lb higher. He needs to find his form, but we’re hoping he’s back to his best. Hopefully the drop in class will suit him.”