Gordon Elliott: My views on Don Cossack and other runners at Navan

Don Cossack has had plenty of schooling

It's going to be an extremely exciting day for Betfair Ambassador Gordon Elliott as one of his stable stars, Don Cossack, makes his eagerly awaited hurdling debut...

12.25 Navan - Torn Asunder, Bronze Adonis

Bronze Adonis is having his first run under rules so he's a somewhat unknown quantity. He raced in a couple of point-to-points but didn't make much of an impact so he'll have to up his game if he's to make an impression here.

Torn Asunder was encouraging last time out when second in his hurdling debut at Downpatrick and he seemed to like the heavy ground. I reckon he would have preferred a better gallop but he's a nice horse and this isn't the strongest race so we've a good chance at taking home the prize. I'm going to try a tongue-tie on him this time which should help his cause.

12.55 Navan - Bonisland

As I've mentioned previously, this lad is an exciting prospect. He's only a baby really and still has some filling out to do but even though he's only four, he's been getting the job done and is now two from two under rules. He'd previously won a point and he looks to have a good future ahead. This is a very big step up in class for him so it could be tough but you never know how good they are until you try them out. He'll need to up his game to win a grade two but from what we've seen so far, he has solid claims.

13.25 Navan - Don Cossack

It fair to say he was one of the best bumper horses around last season and once again, this is another very exciting horse, as you can probably tell from the way I spoke about him when Betfair asked me about him earlier in the season - click here to watch the full video interview.

He was giving away weight at Fairyhouse in April but he powered home and Nina (Carberry) hardly had to ask of him. This is his first time over timber but I've been doing plenty of schooling at home and I'm hoping it pays off. We've been selective in where we send him and he'll handle the going no problem. The likes of Sizing Gold and Ally Cascade are respected but I'm expecting a big run and our lad should be right up there.

13.55 Navan - Knocklayde Euro , Vapiano

Knocklayde Euro is a very recent recruit and this is his first run for the yard so it's impossible to say for sure how he will run. At two miles, the trip might be a bit on the short side but it will be good to give him a race and see how he goes. We are very much at the learning stage right now.

Vapiano looked sure to win over fences last time at Downpatrick before he got caught behind a loose horse after the last. These things happen in racing but it was extremely frustrating as he had come on great from his previous race when pulled-up at Cheltenham. This race looks quite tricky and he'll have to come on a bit if he's to finish in the money.

14.25 Navan - Tharawaat, Romanesco

Coming eight place in the Aintree Grand National was no shame for Tharawaat last time and even though he's top of the weights here, he did win off a mark of 133 last term. He's up a bit since then but he'll love this ground and he has stamina. Jane Mangan claims 7lbs so that will help his cause and he has good each-way claims.

Romanesco comes here in great shape and I was thrilled with his win at Fakenham last time in what turned out to be the most valuable race ever staged at the course. We were devastated previously when he fell at the last at Cheltenham so it was great to make amends somewhat. I'm expecting another big run today; Ruby Walsh gets the ride and he's at a lovely weight so all the right boxes are ticked.