Cooldine on course for Gold

Willie Mullins has his eyes firmly fixed on the Cheltenham Gold Cup with Cooldine following his return to form in last weekend's Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown.

Last season's impressive RSA Chase winner was pulled up on his comeback in the Lexus Chase over Christmas but showed marked improvement to finish just a neck behind Joncol on his latest outing.

"Cooldine certainly showed his old sparkle and was beaten by a horse that is bang in form in Joncol," Mullins said in his weekly blog on www.goracing.ie.

"He should keep improving now in the run up to Cheltenham."

Another Mullins inmate who is Cheltenham-bound is Cousin Vinny.

The seven-year-old is without a victory in three starts since tackling fences and looks set to revert to the smaller obstacles for the World Hurdle.

"His fencing is too deliberate, so I'm going to call a halt to his chasing career for now," Mullins continued.

"He may have another go at it next season, but the World Hurdle will be his March target - he should at least be able to hold his own in staying hurdle company."