Mikael in good form for Moriarty

Paul Townend is confident Mikael D'Haguenet will be back to his best in tomorrow's Dr PJ Moriarty Novice Chase at Leopardstown.

The three-time Grade One-winning hurdler looked sure to go close on his first start over fences at Fairyhouse, only to come to grief at the final obstacle.

The French import was then a disappointing fifth at this track over Christmas, but his big-race jockey expects a much better performance tomorrow.

"I'm sure he can show his true colours this weekend," Townend told At The Races.

"He was ready to go last weekend so hopefully we race on Saturday. He jumped right when he got beaten at Leopardstown but when I schooled him at Punchestown after racing recently, he jumped straight as a die.

"He just wasn't himself at Leopardstown, I don't know what was wrong with him but he seems to be back to his old self now."

Mikael D'Haguenet's trainer Willie Mullins also saddles Quel Esprit and although both horses have been declared for Sunday's Flyingbolt Novice Chase at Navan, they will line up at Leopardstown if the meeting goes ahead.

"The racing being cancelled last weekend has worked out well for Quel Esprit as he wasn't going to run last Sunday after suffering a small setback after schooling," said Mullins

"Both he and Mikael have been declared for Navan on Sunday, but that is only because of the off chance that Leopardstown is off.

"It's unfortunate they have to take each other on but it's a Grade One and both horses are good enough to take their chance.

"I think Quel Esprit will like the trip and he's a natural jumper.

"I would be drawing a line through Mikael's last run. I think he's in good form at the moment and he'll run a good race tomorrow.

"We'll see what happens and make any decisions on the future after that."

A total of six runners have been declared with Dessie Hughes saddling Magnanimity and Western Charmer.

Jessica Harrington runs Bostons Angel and the Paul Nolan-trained Sam Adams complete the field.