Make it Mikael

MIKAEL D’HAGUENET is hard to oppose in the Grade 1 Born na Mona With Nature Novice Chase at Leopardstown this afternoon.

The two miles and a furlong is certainly short of his optimum trip, but Willie Mullins’ gelding is not short of pace and has the class to get through this test.

Regarded as a possible Cheltenham Gold Cup winner of the future, the six-year-old has had his training problems, but returned from a long absence at Fairyhouse 15 days ago in rude good health.