Willie Mullins column: Weekend preview

He was disappointing. He’s probably one to watch to see if he can show improvement.

14:17 Sharjah

It’s unusual that we drive it in this race. It doesn’t appear to be as hot a renewal as other seasons but he probably doesn’t look like a real threat for the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham so we’ve decided to go down a notch and hopefully that looks like a good opportunity for him to put his head forward once more. The dry spell we had and the ground conditions will suit him.

We decided to give him a run even though we thought it might be a little bit close to his best journey, but if he wants a chance at Cheltenham I felt he had to get out on track. I think he’ll like the ground but it’s only been a while and he needs to take his chance.

15:27 Haut en Couleurs

Could be good here if he gets a clear round. He last fell at the Horse & Jockey Chase in Thurles when he looked to have run the race at his mercy. He is raceworthy and is Paul Townend’s mount.

15:27 Janidil

Rachael Blackmore rides. It’s his first run in a while and I think he might need this one too, but hopefully it will help him prepare for a bigger date in March.

17:12 Iris Emery

She is a nice mare by Spanish Moon. She’ll be jumping a hurdle or fence in the future and looks like she’s going to take on some hot resistance from Gordon Elliott’s stable and it could be difficult for her.

Was left left at the start in Thyestes and didn’t improve his chances before finally stopping. Has a chance to drive this place though.

14:10 Stones and Roses

Needs to improve a lot after pulling up over Christmas but is a nice weight and Paul is taking the ride. We’re hoping for the best and a top four result with him.

14:40 Eabha Grace

I think our two mares will enjoy the trip, but especially this one who may wish to have even more time. I think the track is in their favor too.

14:40 skin urea

Won last time at the Fairyhouse and was impressive too. Danny had accommodated her well that day and when he brought her out with some daylight she pulled through just fine. It gets harder around Punchestown, but she has her chance.

16:20 Ball burn

This is a beautiful Flemensfirth gelding owned by Ronnie Bartlett. It’s going to be a tough race and I would prefer softer ground for him but we have to get here and he seems like a nice guy that we’re looking forward to.

16:55 Scaramanga

He will love this floor and the journey. For Janna Walsh, who rides him at home and gets along with him very well, it is the first ride on the track. So we’re hoping for a very good run in what’s always a fun race.

Reflections on recent actions

I thought hunter yarn improved well on previous performances to win well at Navan on Sunday and book a ticket to Cheltenham.

Billaway makes life difficult – like last year in Cheltenham. He literally pulverized the fence behind the stands at Naas and put himself under pressure. I thought Patrick did well getting him back up the last few strides but I hope it leaves him with the position to defend his title as Chasseur Champion at Cheltenham.

We have produced a very nice horse from JP McManus’ in ho my lord also at Navan. He won well when he didn’t particularly like the two-mile ride. I think he’ll be more effective over two and a half and if he goes for the Ballymore he might have a few pounds each. way further.

brandy love will be reported in Punchestown next week and has been off track for quite a while. The conditions of the race don’t really suit her but she may need to take her chance to be ready for Cheltenham.

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