Morris: War Of Attrition ready for battle

MOUSE MORRIS could not be more pleased with War Of Attrition ahead of his bid for back-to-back victories in the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup.

The eight-year-old led home an Irish one-two-three in the blue riband event 12 months ago and Morris is hoping he is in the same sort of form this year.

However, due the quagmire-like conditions in Ireland this season, War Of Attrition has lost his last three starts, although connections believe better ground at Cheltenham will see him in a much more favourable light.

“War Of Attrition looks to be in the same kind of form now that he was 12 months ago and I am very happy with his condition,” said Morris.

“Although he has run some good races on soft ground, he’s nowhere near as good on it as on better ground. It’s like chalk and cheese – he’s a different horse on decent ground.

“Despite the ground not being in War Of Attrition’s favour, it has not affected his preparation for Cheltenham.

“We use the all-weather gallops and a good grass gallop and have all the facilities at home to have him in top shape for the Gold Cup. He won’t be working at Leopardstown this weekend.

“I’m not over confident going to Cheltenham – lightning doesn’t strike twice too often, but we have a decent chance and we’ll give it a shot.

“The Gold Cup is the Gold Cup and there would be plenty of dangers, but we’ll worry about our fellow rather than the others.

“Fingers crossed everything has gone to plan so far and we’ll just have to see what happens in two weeks’ time.”

Meanwhile, Tom Mullins has confirmed Robbie Power will come in for the ride on Asian Maze in the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle if, as expected, Ruby Walsh is unavailable.

Power rode the mare as a novice hurdler and Mullins says he would have no hesitation in entrusting him with the reins come the big day.

“If Ruby Walsh can’t ride her in the Champion, Robbie Power will. The only other jockey who might come into the picture would be Paul Carberry as he got on well with her as a novice, but he is likely to be claimed by Noel Meade for one of his runners,” said Mullins.

“He knows the mare very well. He is actually part of the reason why she is so good as he rode her at Listowel once and told us that she should never be covered up, she needs plenty of light and she hasn’t looked back since.”

“I’m very pleased with her at the moment, she is very fit and she seems to be coming round as she does at this time of year.

“We will probably give her a couple more gallops and she will more than likely end up at Leopardstown on Sunday after racing.

“What we could really do with is the weather picking up.

“I’ve never had any qualms about her taking on the best over two miles. We’ve already beaten Brave Inca once this season and we beat Hardy Eustace last season.

“We always get a few pounds off them as well, which is a help, but I’ve always said that if I get her there right, I don’t know what will beat her.”

Mullins has confirmed that Chelsea Harbour will take his chance in the Royal & SunAlliance Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.