Nickname can Exit maiden ranks in bumper
Mullins and Gordon Elliott have dominated the season’s bumper action and both will be represented again today, by Gigginstown-owned five-year-olds. Of the pair, Nickname Exit has the more obvious form claims, having built on his sole point-to-point outing - a second in Kirkistown - to finish third in a two-and-a-half mile contest at Leopardstown’s Christmas meeting, beaten little more than six lengths
That form was boosted when the winner Russian Bill made a successful hurdling debut in Naas. With normal improvement, the Mullins runner should prove tough to beat here, provided the drop in trip suits him.
Gordon Elliott’s Roman Gold and Briar Lane, runner-up to Valgor Du Ronceray, might prove the main threat to the selection.
Mullins also has obvious prospects with Aklan in the opening Munster Hurdle, despite the presence of highly-rated chaser Argocat.
Winner of his maiden in Navan early last year, Aklan disappointed on his seasonal debut behind Waxies Dargle in Fairyhouse, but produced a much better effort to chase home Noble Endeavor at Punchestown last time.
The grey’s fitness advantage earns him the vote over Argocat, third to Silviniaco Conti in the Grade 1 Betfred Bowl in Aintree last year, but not seen since the Punchestown Festival, and 142-rated Western Boy.
Fresh from his history-making exploits on Sunday, Derek O’Connor might guide the Francis Flood-trained Visible Light, narrowly beaten by Tb Broke Her over course and distance last week, to victory in the amateur riders’ handicap hurdle.
