Ellmarie Holden targeting Spring success with Ex Patriot

Ex Patriot is likely to go for Grade One glory at Leopardstown after he made a winning debut over hurdles at Fairyhouse two weeks ago.Trainer Ellmarie Holden believes the four-year-old deserves to have a crack at the Spring Juvenile Hurdle on February 12, after he showed his liking for the smaller obstacles with a gutsy win over 15 rivals.Holden bought the Elusive Pimpernel gelding out of Ger Lyons' stable for 38,000 euros at Goffs Sales in November and has been delighted with the way he has taken to the different discipline, after failing to score in seven races on the Flat."We have entered up for Leopardstown. Hopefully he'll improve for his win," said the County Kilkenny handler."I think we'll take a chance with Leopardstown. We'll just give him a go - we've nothing to lose."He's a super horse and he's flying so far for us."