Voler gunning for Grace brace
Colm Murphy’s star mare has to bounce back after a shock defeat by Whatuthink on her seasonal reappearance at Navan three weeks ago.
Willie Mullins runs So Young and Zaidpour, while Dessie Hughes relies upon Si C’Etait Vrai.
The Noel Meade-trained Monksland, a Grade Two winner at Down Royal on his reappearance four weeks ago, completes the quintet.
The three horses withdrawn at the final declaration stage were Staying Article, Thousand Stars and Trifolium, who is in the StanJames.com Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle on Saturday.
Murphy reports Voler La Vedette to be in good form as she bids to retain her crown.
“Touch wood she is good and well in herself. Fingers crossed, we are hoping for a nice run,” said the County Wexford trainer.
“We’re happy going there on Sunday. Ideally, we’d have preferred she won the last day, but apart from the result, all is well.
“Hopefully she’ll get the run of the race.”
Mullins is happy to run So Young and Zaidpour at this level but feels that Voler La Vedette will take all the beating.
“Both these horses will like the ground and the trip and both are up to running in Grade One races, but the mare will be hard to beat,” he said.
Champagne Fever and Minsk feature among a select field of six horses declared for the Bar One Racing Royal Bond Novices’ Hurdle.
The former, winner of last season’s Champion Bumper at Cheltenham, made a successful start over hurdles for Willie Mullins when victorious at Cork earlier this month.
Minsk was a high-class horse on the Flat and started this National Hunt campaign with a win at Punchestown in mid-November.
Clonbanan Lad, Jezki, Midnight Oil and Zuzka also take their chance.
Dessie Hughes is expecting Minsk to be in the thick of the action.
“We’re happy with him since the last day he ran at Punchestown and he’s ready for it,” said the Curragh handler.
“He’s had the experience of the run and everything now.
“It’s a fabulous race and he doesn’t mind the soft ground.
“Hopefully we’re strong enough to take the likes of Champagne Fever on now.”
Mullins is responsible for half of the field, with Midnight Oil and Zuzka accompanying Champagne Fever.
Mullins said: “Champagne Fever is very novicey and is one of the least experienced runners, but we’re taking our chance coming back after his win at Cork.
“I hope Midnight Oil does a bit better than last year. We thought we’d let him have a run and see how he is.
“Zuzka has plenty of experience and looks to be an improving type.”
Arvika Ligeonniere meanwhile is one of just five runners set to go to post for Sunday’s Bar One Racing Drinmore Novices Chase.
He made a winning debut over fences for Willie Mullins at Punchestown back in May but has since been off the track.
Arvika Ligeonniere is set to clash with four-time chase winner Pride Of The Artic as well as Henry De Bromhead’s Buckers Bridge and the Tony Martin-trained Dedigout.
Noel Meade’s Texas Jack also runs after winning at Naas earlier this month.
Martin was delighted with Dedigout’s chasing debut win at Punchestown and is expecting a decent showing in the Grade One contest.
“We were very happy with him in Punchestown the last day. This is a step up but I think he’s entitled to run a good race,” he said.
“The ground should be fine for him, he’s in good form and we’ll see how he gets on.”
Comparing him to last year’s winner Bog Warrior which he also trained for the same owners the Gigginstown House Stud, Martin said: “It’s quite difficult to compare the two of them.
“They are different types of horses really, but hopefully they’re two good ones.”
Mullins reports Arvika Ligeonniere to be ready for his second run over fences after making a good first impression.
“He did well at Punchestown.
“He jumps well and we’re hoping for a good run,” he said.
