Pearl tacklestwo-mile test
The 11-year-old, last seen in action when pulled up behind Beef Or Salmon at Leopardstown last month, was also entered for the the Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup on Thursday.
But connections have opted for the two-mile chase and Mullins is looking forward to seeing the gelding run.
Mullins said: “He has had a less than ideal preparation stwo miles since he won the bumper at the Festival in 1997. But he worked nicely yesterday, scoped clean today and we are there with a chance now.”
Mullins also confirmed that Paul Carberry will take the ride on Florida Pearl.
Meanwhile Dessie Hughes’ Poker Pal looks the bet of the weekend in the Lakelands Maiden Hurdle at Naas tomorrow.
A tough, consistent sort he will relish the stiff three miles and has to be fancied to outclass this opposition.
The selection’s latest effort saw him contest a competitive handicap at Fairyhouse.
He ran a fine race, only giving best from the final flight when going down by a length to the smart Jack High.
That was a much better contest than this and it will be mildly disappointing should Poker Pal fail to enjoy a well earned first success over jumps. Course specialist Glens Music has a leading chance of another Naas victory in the Kilcock Novice Chase.
She was hugely impressive on this track 13 days ago when beating Eskimo Jack a smooth four and a half lengths. Navan today houses a very poor programme, even allowing for the proximity of Cheltenham. The nap falls on the lightly raced Be My Better Half in the Conway Group Beginners Chase.
He’s obviously had problems, but won’t have to step up too much on his effort behind Beachcomber Bay at Gowran Park to take a hand at the business end of this modest event.
