Grand Partner© Photo Healy Racing
Tom Mullins is looking forward to Grand Partner making his handicap debut over fences in the feature race at Killarney on Saturday.
The 10-year-old goes for the MSL Cork Mercedes-Benz Handicap Chase after three runs on the Flat since he finished second behind Nick Lost in a beginners’ chase at Punchestown in June.
That had been his first appearance over the bigger obstacles since last summer.
"He’s very well in himself and it’s his first handicap over fences," said Mullins.
"He jumps well, he has a nice weight. He should have a good chance.
"There’ll be plenty of opportunities for him over the next couple of months over fences in handicap company. This is his first dip in that water."
Both Kilcarry Bridge and Supreme Vinnie who were first and third in this race last year, go again, while Henry de Bromhead is triple-handed with Alisier d’Irlande, Full Cry and Monbeg Chit Chat in a competitive-looking heat.
Mullins expects Court Maid to put up a good show in the Sea Lodge Waterville (Pro/Am) INH Flat Race.
The five-year-old landed a 20-runner bumper at Galway in gutsy fashion on her first start for 10 weeks.
Mullins is optimistic of her chance, but feels the biggest danger could come from his brother, Willie, who saddles Yukon Lil She has not run since opening her account over the course and distance in May.
"She seemed to win a strong bumper at Galway. The first two pulled nine lengths clear," he said.
"Willie's is obviously a very good mare. I’d just be hoping we’d be good enough.
"She’s been in great form since Galway and very well, so I’d be hoping for a good run."
Willie Mullins will be hard to keep out of the money in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Novice Hurdle as he saddles Sapphire Lady and Causey Arch in a five-runner field.
The Closutton trainer’s Redfield is sure to have his supporters in the ML Lynch Civil Engineering INH Flat Race, despite trailing home at Thurles on heavy ground in March when sent off 6-4 favourite on his debut.
