Racing: Mullins duo start Gold Cup countdown
Willie Mullins today started the build-up to the Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup with his star duo Florida Pearl and Alexander Banquet.
Bookmakers William Hill quote the latter at 11-1 for the chasing’s blue riband after his one and a half length success over Behrajan in the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Leopardstown earlier this month.
His stablemate is a 14-1 chance with the same firm after finishing a disappointing fourth in the same race a contest he was bidding to land for the fourth consecutive year.
That below-par effort came after the 10-year-old had put up a tremendous performance to take the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.
Mullins said today: ‘‘They’re just riding out this morning, cantering. Florida has been out already and Alexander will be going out next lot.
‘‘They all appear in good order.
‘‘They’re just starting their build-up. They had a few days off after their race the other day and we’re just starting the countdown now.
‘‘They seem to have been in great form over the weekend out in the paddocks. They’ll canter for the next few days and then do few bits of work.
‘‘It looks a very open race but I suppose Looks Like Trouble looks the one to beat.’’
Ground conditions at Cheltenham are not a concern for Florida Pearl although Alexander Banquet is at his very best with plenty of cut underfoot.
Mullins added: ‘‘I’d say it would be quickish ground at Cheltenham.
‘‘It would be very interesting to get the rainfall figures from Cheltenham because I know it has been very dry on this side of the Irish sea.
‘‘I’d imagine the rain that fell for the Pillar Chase just ran off the track because we’d not the persistent rain to go into the track deeply.
‘‘Florida Pearl would run regardless of the ground but if it came up very quick we’d have to have a rethink about Alexander.
‘‘But his only aim in life has been going for the Gold Cup.’’
Alexander Banquet is also 12-1 second favourite with Hills for the Martell Grand National and Mullins said: ‘‘We’re tempted to have a go but we’ll take first things first.’’
