GORDON Elliott makes an early season raid on the US jumping scene this weekend when Jack Kennedy partners the American National winner Zanahiyr in the Grade 1 Calvin Houghland Iroquois Chase at 9.40pm tonight.

It’s a tougher field than the National at Far Hills which he won last season, then beating Ballysax Hank by a head.

The nine-year-old resumed with a second place on the flat at Gowran last month to the favourite Light Up The Dark over a mile and six furlongs.

The home opposition for this three-mile contest is headed by the favourite Abaan from the Kate Dalton stable, winner of the race last season. He warmed up two weeks ago when fourth in the Grade 1 Commonwealth Cup Stakes (Hurdle) at Great Meadows.

Danny Mullins partners the former Willie Mullins-trained James Du Berlais now racing for the Leslie Young yard. His Irish from would give him a strong chance, winning the Grade 2 Webster Cup Chase at Navan in February.

The former Elliott-trained Fil Dor is the mount of Jake Coen for Richard Hendriks. He won the Colonial Cup (Hurdle) at Camden last November.

Riverdee Stable’s Zabeel Champion, ridden by Freddie Procter for trainer Jack Fisher comes off an April win in the Grade 2 Temple Gwathmey Hurdle last time.

Keri Brion’s Swore, winner last season of the Grade 1 Lonesome Glory Hurdle at Aqueduct, comes off two wins this season and is another to make it look competitive.

Elliott has two more runners on the card. Famous Figure will try to get off the mark over obstacles in the Louis Brown McMillan Memorial Stakes over an extended two miles, two furlongs, and Blue Waters, in the same Del Rio Racing colours as Fil Dor, runs in the Grade 2 Margaret Currey Henley Stakes for mares at 10.20pm. It looks a good opportunity for last season’s Listowel maiden hurdle winner.

Danny Mullins has five mounts on the card for Leslie Young while Kevin Sexton is in action in three of the contests for trainer Barry Foley.