Florida Pearl could be seen in action at Kempton Park on Boxing Day, if all goes well with the gelding`s reappearance at Down Royal next month, it emerged today.
The Willie Mullins-trained eight-year-old is due to return in the James Nicholson Champion Chase at Down Royal on November 11th, a race he won last year before going on to finish second to Looks Like Trouble in the Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup.
'After Down Royal he`ll be entered in the Ericsson at Leopardstown and the King George VI Chase,' said Mullins. 'At the moment we are leaning towards the King George this year - but it`s a long time to Christmas.'
Florida Pearl was ridden by Paul Carberry last season as Mullins` stable jockey Ruby Walsh was out with a broken right shin.
And the County Carlow trainer could once again be on the look out for a rider for his stable star at Down Royal.
'Ruby will probably ride Florida Pearl this time but he injured a wrist at Cork on Saturday and could be out for two or three weeks - we`ll know more later in the week,' Mullins said. 'Paul, who rode him last year, is also injured.
'The Down Royal race is the same weekend as the Thomas Pink meeting at Cheltenham so finding a jockey could be a problem.'
Florida Pearl is reported in good form following a summer break.
'I`m delighted with him - he`s come back nicely. We never let him get too fat,' added Mullins.
Mullins will also be represented by Micko`s Dream, who took a heavy fall in the Martell Grand National, in the Down Royal race.
