Naas looking likely to be next stop for exciting Samcro

Samcro could be seen next in the Lawlor's Hotel Novice Hurdle at Naas in January after being a notable absentee from Sunday's Navan Novice Hurdle.

Gordon Elliott's unbeaten five-year-old has created a huge impression in two starts over hurdles this season, most recently in the Monksfield Novice Hurdle.

His next race is likely to be at the highest level, at either Naas or possibly Leopardstown.

"He will go to Naas in the first week in January for the Lawlor's Grade One hurdle," said Elliott.

"We entered him (this weekend) to keep our options open, but the plan was to go to Naas.

"To be honest, he has done everything well, but he has to keep improving. He has lot of improvement to do, which we hope he does.

"He is a good horse. I'm very lucky, I've got a lot of good horses."

Speaking earlier in the day, Eddie O'Leary, racing manager for owners Gigginstown House Stud, raised the chance Samcro could run at Leopardstown's Christmas meeting in preference to Naas.

He said: "He might run at Christmas (Paddy Power Future Champions Novice Hurdle)."

Elliott and Gigginstown still run three in the Grade Two contest this weekend - Cracking Smart, Poli Roi and Delta Work.

Willie Mullins calls on the smart Next Destination, Jessica Harrington fields Jetz and Noel Meade is represented by Half The Odds.