Missed That ready for Arkle challenge

Willie Mullins has confirmed Missed That in great form and on course for the Baileys Arkle Perpetual Challenge Cup Novice Chase at Leopardstown later this month.

The Champion Bumper hero flopped on his debut over fences at Thurles in December, but rapidly got the hang of things subsequently with wins at Navan and in Grade One company at Leopardstown on Boxing Day.

“He’s on target for the Arkle (January 29) and I’ve been very pleased with him since Christmas,” Mullins said.

“It was a big surprise how he improved for his three races, but I was delighted with him.

“I don’t know whether he will run again in between the Irish Arkle and Cheltenham. We will just have to see how he is after the race. He’ll definitely run in the Arkle at Cheltenham (rather than SunAlliance Chase).”

Mullins also had news of Grand National hero Hedgehunter.

“He will go to the Irish Hennessy (on February 12), after which we will make a decision about the Gold Cup.”

The County Carlow handler is developing a strong team for the Cheltenham Festival and has two smart young hurdlers in Mister Hightand Quatre Heures.

The former was fourth in Group Three company on the Flat and bolted up on his hurdling debut at Punchestown on New Year’s Eve, trouncing subsequent winner Marhaba Million by 20 lengths, while French recruit Quatre Heures also looked good in winning a Naas maiden by 12 lengths earlier this month.

“Mister Hight looks a nice horse and we will probably go to Leopardstown on February 12 for a good juvenile hurdle race. I haven’t sorted out definite Cheltenham plans for him and Quatre Heures, we’ll just see how we go,” Mullins said.