Fil Dor ready for starring role

Fil Dor is widely expected to play a starring role in the feature event on the opening afternoon of the Christmas Festival at Leopardstown.

A winner at Grade Three and Grade Two level over hurdles last season, Gordon Elliott's grey subsequently found only star juvenile Vauban too strong in Grade Ones at Leopardstown and Punchestown, as well as in the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham.

After being beaten by Brazil on his reappearance, the Doctor Dino gelding kicked off his chasing career at Navan last month and was thoroughly impressive in seeing off the high-class Saint Roi.

The pair renew rivalry in the Grade One Brand New Racing Post App Novice Chase, with Fil Dor a warm order to confirm his superiority in the hands of Jack Kennedy.

"In the race in Navan he jumped very well. It looked to be a very good beginners chase and he should be bang there, hopefully."

Joey Logan, racing manager for owners Caldwell Construction Ltd, said: "He's in good nick and Gordon is very happy with him.

"In the race in Navan he jumped very well. It looked to be a very good beginners chase and he should be bang there, hopefully."

The Willie Mullins-trained Saint Roi is not the only threat to Fil Dor, with Elliott also saddling Hollow Games, who like his stablemate looked the part on his chasing debut at Navan.

Peter Fahey's Visionarian and Midnight Run from Joseph O'Brien's yard complete the field.

"Hollow Games is a very good horse too and Willie's horse is as well, so it's a good Grade One, as you would expect," Logan added.

The main supporting race on the first of four excellent days of action is the Grade Two Knight Frank Juvenile Hurdle, which sees four unbeaten youngsters lock horns.

The hot favourite is Lossiemouth, who sets the standard on her recent