Gordon Elliott has suggested that Samcro could head to Newcastle for the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle next month.
The Gigginstown Stud owned horse was a late withdrawal from the Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown on Sunday due to the lack of rain and that could now see one of the hottest prospects in horse racing head across to the UK.
Samcro flopped on seasonal debut at Down Royal earlier this month to raise doubts about the decision to keep the horse over hurdles, but connections are clearly still pressing ahead and a clash with Buveur D'air at Newcastle could now be on the cards.
The lack of rain is playing havoc with the sport at the moment meaning opportunities are limited at home for Samcro which could provide racing fans in the north-east of England with a massive boost.
Elliott has used the Fighting Fifth as a stepping stone for one of his stable stars in the past with Apple's Jade finishing 2nd to Irving back in 2016.
An early season slug-fest with Buveur D'air might not be ideal for either camp but at this stage it does appears as if that is the most likely scenario for both horses. Nicky Henderson has nominated the contest a number of times for his dual Champion hurdle winner and the Seven Barrows handler will be loathed to miss starting one of his stable stars off any later than is already the case.
Summerville Boy could well be the joker in the pack with the Supreme Novices' Hurdle winner also currently amongst the entries for the Newcastle contest. The Tom George trained horse was an impressive Cheltenham Festival winner in March and there is every chance that he too could enter the Champion Hurdle mix with a strong performance in the Fighting Fifth.
All eyes will be on Samcro though as the racing world waits to see if he can bounce back from defeat at Down Royal against Buveur D'air, both at Newcastle and then again in in the Champion Hurdle itself.
Racing fans often bemoan the lack of big clashes on the road to Cheltenham but the lack of rain so far this winter might mean we get to see a true heavyweight bout on the 1st December.
