Ground concerns for First Lieutenant
The dual Grade One-winning hurdler ran easily his best race over fences when second to Bobs Worth in the three-mile RSA Chase at Cheltenham last month and drops right back to two miles tomorrow.
Morris admits his stable star is better over a longer trip, but with conditions set to ride very testing, he is not keen on giving his charge a slog in the mud at this relatively early stage of his career.
“The ground is going to be soft and he has won a Grade One over hurdles over two miles, so hopefully he’ll be all right with the trip,” said the trainer.
“The main question is whether he will handle the ground or not, but we can’t do anything about it and we’ll take what comes.
“It was a choice between running in this or running him in the Gold Cup and I didn’t want to empty him over three miles on this ground, as he’s still an immature horse.”
Mullins has more than realistic claims of completing a one-two-three in the Rabobank Champion Hurdle at Punchestown as he saddles three-quarters of the field.
Undoubtedly leading his trio is Hurricane Fly, the 2011 Champion Hurdle hero at Cheltenham who has lifted this prize in imperious fashion for the last two years and is bidding for success at the Punchestown Festival for the fourth consecutive season.
Ruby Walsh’s mount lost for the first time since November 2009 when only third to Rock On Ruby at Cheltenham.
“I’d be hoping for a lot more tomorrow than at Cheltenham,” Mullins said.
“He’s been working well and seems in good form. Hopefully he can produce a good performance.”
Mullins’ all-conquering stable will also unleash the committed grey Thousand Stars, who regularly chases home Hurricane Fly, finished second in the race a year ago and ran a blinder to just lose to Oscar Whisky in the Aintree Hurdle.
Zaidpour, who was eighth in the Champion Hurdle but had looked more his old self in minor races on testing ground earlier in the campaign, completes the trio. Edward O’Grady’s The Real Article is the only possible threat to complete Mullins domination.
“If I get one then that would be a start!” the trainer added.
“Both Zaidpour and Thousand Stars have run good, solid races this season. They are both fit and well and will like the ground.”
