Mullins duo lock horns in Thurles opener Stablemates Turcagua and Pylonthepressure take each other on in the Templemore Beginners Chase at Thurles this afternoon. Willie Mullins has a wealth of talent in this division so it is no surprise that he struggles to keep his novices apart, and 139-rated hurdler Turcagua had to settle for second behind another Closutton inmate Bonbon Au Miel on his fencing bow at Navan. Pylonthepressure was returning from a year off when fourth in the Fairyhouse event claimed by Sutton Place on New Year's Day, so can be expected to improve. The champion trainer throws two arrows at the Horse & Jockey Rated Novice Hurdle. Didero Vallis reverts from handicap company after struggling at the Leopardstown Christmas meeting, while Hey Little Boy hasn't fulfilled the promise of his successful Irish debut at Tramore in August. Mount Hanover was ahead of Didero Vallis at Leopardstown, and the consistent Great Trango has to be feared as well. Mullins is also double-handed in the Holycross Maiden Hurdle, with this season's form suggesting that Itsonlyrocknroll has stronger claims than Caro Des Flos. However, they will do well to successfully concede weight to the Mouse Morris-trained Last Man Standing, who chased home a potential Fred Winter candidate at the last meeting here. Bang Bang Rosie is the Mullins representative in the thurles.ie Maiden Hurdle, but punters will be wary of rushing in again after she performed so below-par when favourite for her timber bow at Fairyhouse. Clinton Hill was runner-up on the same card and wraps up a busy day for Mullins when he attempts to go one better in the concluding Munster Flat Race. Goodthynemilan bounced back to form over fences last week and reverts to the smaller obstacles in the Killinan Handicap Hurdle, while Simple Steps is the form horse heading into the Boylesports Download Our App Handicap Chase.
