Cooldine on course for Hennessy

Willie Mullins plans to run Cooldine in the Hennessy on February 7th.

Last year's RSA Chase hero returned to action in the Lexus Chase over Christmas but was pulled up before the last. However an excuse soon came to light.

"He's just alright. He had a little bit of an infection after the Lexus but we've treated him and he's back riding. Hopefully he'll go for the IHennessy on February 7th.

"I was hoping to get a run into him before that but that probably won't happen now," Mullins told Sportslive Radio.

Cooldine is a 20/1 chance with Sky Bet for the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup but Mullins admits he will need to be at the peak of his powers to face Kauto Star and Denman.

"The front two in the market have done it this season, my fellow hasn't. He still hasn't stepped up into open cpmpany yet and that is a big challenge for any novice coming along.

"The year hasn't gone properly for him - he's been sound but not 100 per cent healthy. It's going to be a lot of work to turn it around in the next few weeks but we have to try and do that."