Sports Line given easier option
The six-year-old was talked up as a potential dark horse for the Arkle Trophy at the start of the season and there was certainly plenty to like about his chasing debut success at Navan.
The Grade One Bord na Mona with Nature Novice Chase at Leopardstown this weekend had been under consideration, but Mullins is keen to avoid a clash with the likes of Sizing Europe this early in the season.
“Sports Line runs at Limerick where Paul Townend will ride,” said Mullins.
“Sports Line is a bit tricky to ride and, with Paul Nicholls likely to have a number of good Irish Independent Arkle Chase types, Ruby Walsh won’t always be available.
“With that in mind, I’m keen to give Paul a chance to get to know him.
“Limerick may not be ideal as Sports Line prefers going left-handed and the trip might also be a bit long, but I’m reluctant to take on the big guns in the Bord na Mona Grade One at Leopardstown on the same day.
“That would be a big ask of Sports Line on just his second run over fences, so the slightly slower pace at Limerick is the preferred option.
“Sports Line is going to Limerick for a number of reasons, one of which is Sizing Europe!”
One of Sports Line’s chief opponents could be River Liane, who also made a winning debut over fences at Naas in October.
“We looked at Leopardstown for him but he’s only a five-year-old and this is only his second run over fences, so we thought we’d be better going to Limerick,” said trainer Tom Cooper.
“It’s going to be pretty testing but that won’t trouble him and it’s an easy two and a half miles round there, which should be fine.
“We just want to get more experience into him and we’ll see what happens.”
