Mullins looking for more from Douvan

Willie Mullins believes Douvan has not yet reached the ceiling of his ability ahead of his return to the highest level in the Paddy Power Cashcard Chase.

The remarkable six-year-old is unbeaten in 11 starts since joining the champion trainer, with that run including seven Grade One triumphs.

He stretched his winning sequence to seven over fences with a bloodless victory in Cork's Hilly Way Chase at the start of December and faces four rivals on his latest assignment at Leopardstown.

Mullins said: "He came back and did it well (at Cork), except for that little bit of a scare at the third-last.

"What he's done already and the potential he shows - he looks like he has a huge career in front of him and we just want to keep him sound and on an even keel. Hopefully he has a lot more to give us."

Having missed the ride at Cork to steer Djakadam to success in the John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase on the same afternoon, Ruby Walsh is looking forward to getting back on board Douvan.

"He won a Grade Two last time so had all the penalties. It's a Grade One on Tuesday so he'll be on level weights with the others," the jockey told Racing UK.

"He was very good in Cork. He's schooled a couple of times over fences and we're delighted with him. He's come out of that race really well. Fingers crossed he can keep going.

"He's very, very good. He does everything with such ease. It was a strong enough race in Cork yet he made good horses look quite ordinary.

"He just has that ability to do whatever you ask him. He's a great horse."

Mullins also saddles Black Hercules who was disappointing on his reappearance in the John Durkan. Sizing John has been placed behind Douvan on no less than six occasions and renews rivalries on his first start since joining Jessica Harrington.

Sizing John's former trainer Henry de Bromhead is represented by Alisier D'Irlande, and British challenger Simply Ned completes the field.

Simply Ned was narrowly beaten by Flemenstar in last year's renewal and was third in 2014.

Trainer Nicky Richards said: "He's been there three or four days and he's in good form. I'm happy with the horse and the track suits him, so we're looking forward to it.

"Things just didn't fall our way last year for one reason or another. He's a very honest and genuine horse, but he doesn't like being in front too long.

"The faster they go, the better for us and I hope they all run well and everyone gets a bit of luck. We're obviously taking on a big gun (Douvan), but hopefully our lad will run well."