WILLIE MULLINS has yet to make any hard and fast plans for his stable stars’ return to the race course but reports most of them to be in fine fettle as the National Hunt season kicks into gear.

Qaspal ended Philip Hobbs' Paddy Power Imperial Cup drought today and put himself in the reckoning for a £75,000 (€82,829) bonus if following up at the Cheltenham Festival when leading home a stable one-two at Sandown.

Gauvain was given a 33-1 quote by Coral for the Arkle Trophy at next month’s Cheltenham Festival following his victory in the Grade Two Kilbrittain Castle Novices’ Chase at Sandown.

MICHAEL O’BRIEN will hold an exceptionally strong hand in Saturday’s Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Leopardstown with two runners, including the likely favourite In Compliance.

Impek is to be aimed at a repeat victory in the totesport Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon on November 18.

Marlborough is on course for a return to racing action in the next month after pleasing connections in a grass gallop.