Un De Sceaux in line for surprise Haydock run
Mullins is looking to get the exciting prospect back on track after he fell on his debut over fences at Thurles last month, when poised to take his unbeaten record to 10 races.
The six-year-old, who is second favourite at around 5-1 for the Arkle at Cheltenham in March, is among 11 entries for the two-mile heat on Merseyside.
Possible opposition includes Back To Bracka, Grate Fella and the Venetia Williams pair of Vivaccio and Tango De Juilley.
Mullins has also given Un De Sceaux an entry in a two-mile beginners’ chase at Fairyhouse on Saturday.
“I’ve thrown him in a few races and he’s also in at Fairyhouse on Saturday. Depending on the weather and things, we’ll have a look at the entries and see what it’s like,” said the County Carlow handler.
“Hopefully we’ll get him out next weekend.
“He certainly did look exciting until he fell. We’ll have to see and hope he can get a clear round next time wherever he goes.”
Carlingford Lough is set for a crucial workout at the weekend ahead of a possible crack at the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas.
The John Kiely-trained eight-year-old, winner of the Growise Champion Novice Chase at Punchestown in April, has been sidelined with a setback recently but could return for the big race on December 28.
One of the leading novice chasers in Ireland last season, he also won the Topaz Novice Chase from Morning Assembly, but was only sixth in the RSA Chase at Cheltenham.
“He’ll work at the weekend and we’ll see how he is. If he’s OK he’ll go there,” said Frank Berry, racing manager to owner J P McManus.
“He had a bit of a mishap before Down Royal but it looks like he’s back on track again.”
Another disappointing field size for a feature Saturday race is guaranteed after only five horses were left in at the five-day stage for the JLT Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot.
A raft of small fields dominated the jumping action last weekend, and the Grade One contest won four times by Baracouda and on three occasions by Big Buck’s has lost seven of its 12 entries from the last forfeit stage.
However, among the five is the Nick Williams-trained Reve De Sivola, winner of the last two renewals.
In two outings in France this season the nine-year-old has been well beaten, but Williams may also run Aubusson, an impressive winner of the Fixed Brush Hurdle at Haydock.
Paul Nicholls has taken out the impressive Newbury scorer Silsol but could be represented by Zarkandar, winner of a Grade One in France on his last outing.
Alan King’s Medinas, who took advantage of a below-par More Of That at Newbury, will be looking to capitalise on any weaknesses from the others.
Sole Power is likely to follow a tried-and-tested route next season after he finished 2014 on a low note at Sha Tin racecourse on Sunday.
As long as he’s happy we’ll keep going, but he owes us nothing,” joint-owner David Power told the Irish Times.
“I’d say we’d possibly go to Dubai for Super Saturday, then the Al Quoz Sprint on World Cup night, then the same sort of programme as this year.
