BETTER Days Ahead remains on course for a clash with Ballyburn and Dancing City at the Cheltenham Festival after doing just enough to fend off stablemate Stellar Story in the Grade 2 William Hill Novice Chase (registered as the Ten Up) at Navan.

Despite there being just a five-runner field, which was reduced to four when Chosen Witness exited at the fourth last, the race still delivered a late scare for backers of the 1/2 winning favourite as last season’s fast-finishing Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle winner began to kick into top gear close home.

Perhaps the Bective Stud-owned winner, partnered to victory by Sam Ewing, was idling slightly when out on his own, though Stellar Story (13/2) ensured he needed to be honest late on. The final margin was just a neck.

The Grade 2 proved to be an excellent result for the Elliott team, as Three Card Brag completed a one-two-three for the stable. He ran with credit in being beaten less than five lengths after a bad mistake six fences from home.

Elliott, speaking after bringing up a record-equalling fifth win in the race and a treble on the day at his local track, said: “The winner wasn't doing a stroke in front. I think he only does what he has to do. It wasn't ideal, he needs something to make it. Three Card Brag took them along for as long as he could and probably ran a good race in his own right.

"I was thrilled with Stellar Story and Danny [Gilligan] gave him a great ride. He keeps guessing at his fences and I told Danny to try and get him around, to try to get a bit of confidence into him. He was probably a bit unlucky.”

Most firms left Better Days Ahead at 7/1 for the Brown Advisory but Ladbrokes weren’t impressed and pushed him out to 10/1. Meanwhile, Stellar Story was cut to 16/1 for the same event from 33/1.

On future plans, Elliott added: "I'd imagine Better Days Ahead and Stellar Story will go to the Brown Advisory. A more strongly-run race should suit. Three Card Brag needed that run to qualify for the Grand National at Aintree."