Don Poli appreciates step up in trip

All of Willie Mullins’ big guns are waiting in the wings for Cheltenham, but it makes no difference to a trainer who simply has a wealth of talent at his disposal.

At Clonmel yesterday Mullins’ Don Poli, fresh from winning what looked a modest maiden at Thurles, landed the Grade 3 Surehaul Mercedes-Benz Novice Hurdle.

Bryan Cooper was in the plate and he produced the Gigginstown Stud House-owned gelding to lead going to the second last.