Geraghty backed to shine on Sceaux

Willie Mullins is keeping his fingers crossed Barry Geraghty strikes up a good relationship with Un De Sceaux as the free-going gelding puts his unbeaten record on the line at Auteuil this afternoon.

The six-year-old won two French bumpers before joining the champion trainer at the start of the season and has barely come off the bridle in his five starts over hurdles, making virtually all of the running on each occasion.

With stable jockey Ruby Walsh sidelined by injury and Paul Townend set to be in action on home soil this weekend, Geraghty will come in for the plum ride as Un De Sceaux faces popular home runner Gemix in the Grade Three Prix Hypothese.

Mullins said: “I’m told he has travelled well and has schooled well over the hurdles.

“If Barry and himself get on well together on the day, hopefully he has a good chance of picking up a nice share of the prize-money.

“We won’t make any plans until after he runs at Auteuil.”

With Mullins saddling Simenon in today’s Dubai Gold Cup, the trainer’s son, Patrick, will be keeping a closer eye on proceedings in France.

Patrick Mullins said: “Un De Sceaux came from France and has run in France before. It’s exciting.

“He’s obviously not a simple ride, but we think Barry will get on well with him.”