Mullins chasing more Arkle glory

Willie Mullins will launch a two-pronged attack headed by Jayo and Golden Silver in a bid to secure the Arkle Perpetual Challenge Cup at Leopardstown on Sunday.

The Irish champion trainer landed the Grade One prize three years ago courtesy of Champion Bumper winner Missed That, and is responsible for almost half of the field this time around.

Just five runners have been declared with Forpadydeplasterer, Follow The Plan and chasing debutant Cuan Na Grai completing the field.

Jayo is prominent in the ante-post market for the equivalent race at the Cheltenham Festival after trotting up by 16 lengths last time out, and Mullins believes Ruby Walsh’s mount is progressing all the time.

He said: “The two-mile trip won’t be a problem. He is a very efficient jumper and his jumping will help him to compete over the trip.

“He is making progress. That is how I like to bring my chasers along and he is improving as the season goes on.”

Golden Silver will be partnered by rising star Paul Townend following a confidence-boosting win over fences at the backend of 2008.

Mullins added: “I thought he might want a longer trip in time but I am happy enough to keep him to two miles at the moment.

“He is a good, effective jumper and will handle the ground so I am happy to let him take his chance.”

Follow The Plan claimed the scalp of Paul Nicholls’ Arkle favourite Tatenen at the track over Christmas and will bid to follow up that win.

Tom Cooper’s Forpadydeplasterer was withdrawn from that race hours before the off after suffering a setback, but the Drinmore runner-up is once again ready to rock and roll.

Cooper said: “He had a stone bruise which stopped us running over Christmas but he is all over that now.

“He is ready to run and has had a good preparation.

“He needs a good pace but I am sure there will be one, and his run will tell us where we should be going at Cheltenham.”