Gordon Elliott: The views on my two Thurles runners today

Gordon saddles two runners at Thurles today

Following success with Shrapnel at Fairyhouse on Wednesday, the in-form Gordon Elliott sends Plan A and Mala Beach to Thurles on Thursday afternoon. Read his exclusive thoughts on their chances here...

12:35 Thurles - Plan A

He wasn't disgraced when third of 13 runners at Punchestown last time out in a race won by the very useful Oscar Well from Jessica Harrington's yard. That followed on from Ballinrobe where he was runner-up in his chasing debut so it's clear that he has potential over fences and we hope to get him off the mark soon. He doesn't mind a bit of rain so the expected heavy going won't prove troublesome and although this looks competitive, I'm hopeful that he can run into another place. He's a nice horse to train and he's enjoying his work at home.

13:35 Thurles - Mala Beach

He's only raced once for our yard so it's early days yet - but it's fair to say his ninth place of 11 runners at Wexford three weeks ago was pretty disappointing. We had him at two and a half miles but he weakened two out so it will be interesting to see how he runs today back down at the two mile distance. I'd expect him to improve on his Wexford race; the going was good that day which probably didn't suit and I think he'll prefer ground with a bit of cut in it. I hope he runs a good race but realistically, the odds-on Tony Martin horse (Wingtips) looks extremely hard to beat.