Supreme bids to rule in Mildmay

Rule Supreme will bid to follow up his Cheltenham Festival success in the Martell Cognac Sainsbury's Mildmay Novices’ Chase at Aintree tomorrow.

The Willie Mullins-trained Rule Supreme put up a high-class performance to beat one of tomorrow’s rivals, Royal Emperor, by one and a quarter lengths in the Royal & SunAlliance Chase just over two weeks ago.

The eight-year-old has taken his Festival exertions well but the sharp nature of the Mildmay course may not be in his favour.

Mullins said: “He’s in been in great form since he came home from Cheltenham but this track would be a bit faster than Cheltenham and that’s a big concern but we’ll take our chance.”

Rule Supreme has a reputation for being a sketchy jumper and Mullins added: “I haven’t bothered jumping him, he did well enough for me at Cheltenham.”

Royal Emperor’s trainer Sue Smith also runs Simply Supreme, who bypassed the Festival to wait for this Grade Two contest.

Other interesting contenders in the 11-strong line-up include Alan King’s useful seven-year-old D’Argent and the two mares, who receive all the allowances, L’Aventure and Liberthine.