Willie Mullins holds a strong hand in the featured Ladbrokes.com World Series Hurdle at Punchestown this afternoon, with Quevega bidding for a repeat win in the three mile test against nine rivals.

The French-bred mare is a top-priced 10/11 this morning with William Hill, while Mullins also trains second favourite Mourad (11/2 with Stan James).

Mourad will be partnered by Katie Walsh, replacing the injured Paul Townend, and adds some extra intrigue to the race as she takes on older brother Ruby aboard the hot-favourite.

The champion trainer, who has a third string to his bow as Mikael D'Haguenet (20/1 with Boylesports) reverts to hurdles after a disappointing time so far over fences this term, spoke about the trio on RTE Radio 1 this morning.

“Quevega is in good form. She is bred to want a trip and showed she stays in this race last year but it is amazing that she also has so much speed. We would only have gone for the Rabobank Champion Hurdle with her if Hurricane Fly had a setback.

“Mourad is improving with every run this year. Katie takes over from Paul Townend. It looks as if Paul's collarbone injury is more serious than we first thought, and he could be out for six weeks. Hopefully he has built up enough of a lead to win the jockey's championship.

“Mikael D'Haguenet is going back over hurdles for a confidence booster. It may be that he enjoys hurdles more than fences, and this could help to make up our mind which way we go with him next season,” added Mullins.

Meanwhile Colm Murphy is hopeful of a big run from Voler La Vedette best at 9/1 with William Hill, saying: "She came out of Fairyhouse really well and we couldn't be happier with her. We are hoping for a good run but we are under no illusions.

"She gets two and a half miles really well and saw out two-five at Navan on heavy ground. I'm pretty confident she'd get three miles on good ground, no problem.

She's settling better this year and I think she'll have no worries with the trip."

Alan Magee