Mullins concerned about ground for Zaidpour

Willie Mullins has expressed concerns about the quickening conditions for Zaidpour in tomorrows opening Stan James Supreme Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham.

The French-bred was a brilliant winner of the Royal Bond at Fairyhouse earlier in the campaign, but has let down favourite backers twice since and Mullins fears the ground is going to be too quick at Prestbury Park.

"I think he's got the experience for a race like this but it looks like the ground is going to be too dry for him," said Mullins.

"It's only going to get drier, which is why I chose to run him the first day, but the ground remains a big worry."

Connections of Magen's Star are also hoping the ground is not too quick for the mare, who is unbeaten in two races over hurdles.

"She's going well. She's highly-rated on the Flat and has won both her hurdle races over here," said trainer Tommy Stack's son and assistant Fozzy.

"Though they weren't very good races, she has won them well and will take her chance. We just hope the ground isn't too fast for her.

"We'll have a look in the morning and make our minds up from there. We'd like to run her in it."

An interesting challenger is Philip Rothwell's Rathlin, a winner at Gowran Park earlier this month on just his second start over timber.

"He couldn't have done any more than he did at Gowran the last day. He's a very nice horse and I think the world of him," said Rothwell.

"He's had a bit of an interrupted campaign and I suppose the worry would be he's inexperienced.

"He scoped dirty after his first run back at Clonmel but he was much better at Gowran and he should have improved.

"He travelled over last night and cantered this morning. He seems absolutely fine.

"I think the Old Course has been watered a bit more than the New Course and I think the ground will be perfect.

"He'll be a nice chaser for next season. I'd like to think he could be an Arkle horse."