Lexus Chase at Leopardstown the next port of call for Don Poli
An impressive winner of last season’s RSA Chase at Cheltenham before failing to fire at Punchestown in April, the Gigginstown House Stud-owned six-year-old was a hot favourite to make a winning reappearance on Merseyside and despite suffering tack problems, managed to do so, getting the better of last season’s Grand National hero Many Clouds.
Speaking at Punchestown yesterday , Mullins said: “I was very happy with the performance considering his breast girth broke.
“He is always workmanlike and is coming along nicely.
“I’d imagine he will go for the Lexus.”
Meanwhile the Paddy Power Dial-A-Bet Chase at Leopardstown remains the likely target for Un De Sceaux after pleasing Mullins in a workout on Saturday.
Last season’s Arkle hero was due to make his reappearance in Saturday’s Tingle Creek at Sandown, but was ruled out on Wednesday after being described as a “little flat” by the champion trainer.
The fact the Hilly Way Chase at Cork, due to take place on Sunday before the fixture was cancelled, has been rescheduled for next Sunday gives connections another option, but he is unlikely to head to the Mallow track.
Mullins said: “I was very happy with him on Saturday and I’d say we’ll wait until Christmas.
“I would hate to go down there (Cork) and win that and then get beaten at Christmas. I don’t mind getting beaten at Christmas, but if he ran badly at Christmas I’d say I was a clown to go to Cork.
“Christmas is the target rather than the Hilly Way.”
Trainer Henry de Bromhead will consider appealing against the result of Saturday’s Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown after Special Tiara passed the post second behind Sire De Grugy.
Special Tiara led for much of the two-mile journey in the Grade One contest before being headed by the Gary Moore-trained Sire De Grugy before the home turn.
However, the Irish challenger was rallying for pressure and looked in with every chance before being broadsided in mid-air by the eventual winner jumping the final fence. After a battle on the run-in, Sire De Grugy passed the post three-quarters of a length to the good and De Bromhead believes the interference cost his charge victory.
He said: “Special Tiara was stopped in his tracks at the last and lost all momentum.
“The other horse jumped right across him and I think if we had a clear run at the last fence, we would have been in front.
“Regarding any appeal, we will have to consider our options.”
