Pique waiting for better ground

Pique Sous winning at Thurles
(Healy Racing Photos)

The Willie Mullins-trained six-year-old finished third in the Champion Bumper last year but has only run twice over hurdles, finishing second on the first occasion in August before returning in October at Thurles where he never came off the bridle to win by five lengths.

"He's absolutely fine and he's back in full work, but we are waiting for better ground," said Steve Massey, who heads up the Supreme Horse Racing Club syndicate.

"He had a bit of a break after his last run and he'll hopefully be out in mid-February, if it ever dries up.

"We're very excited about him and the plan is Cheltenham and the Supreme as we feel he's got plenty of gears.

"I think last year's bumper was one of the best ever run, the horse who finished last (Ifandbutwhynot) is rated 130 over hurdles.

"Champagne Fever won at Punchestown, The New One is favourite for the Neptune and Jezki is favourite for the Supreme.

"We beat Jezki by nearly 10 lengths in the Champion Bumper and we were giving him 8lb - He's 7-2 and we're 25-1 for the Supreme. We're definitely the forgotten horse, but that doesn't worry us.

"The problem is he hates soft ground, but we could really do with one more run over hurdles before the Supreme."