GORDON Elliott is readying his winter team at present and, on Tuesday, bagged Galway’s opening Tote Always SP Or Better Maiden Hurdle over an extended two miles with Direct Approach (3/1), who maintained the excellent run of owner Kieron Gammell.

Ridden by dual champion jockey Jack Kennedy, the son of sprinting stallion No Nay Never raced prominently, led from the second last, and held on well to beat Young Rebel (8/15 favourite) by two and a half lengths.