Maze Has The Power

Tom Mullins has confirmed Robbie Power will come in for the ride on Asian Maze in the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle if, as expected, Ruby Walsh is unavailable.

Power rode the mare as a novice hurdler and Mullins says he would have no hesitation in entrusting him with the reins come the big day.

'If Ruby Walsh can't ride her in the Champion, Robbie Power will. The only other jockey who might come into the picture would be Paul Carberry as he got on well with her as a novice, but he is likely to be claimed by Noel Meade for one of his runners,' said Mullins.

'He knows the mare very well. He is actually part of the reason why she is so good as he rode her at Listowel once and told us that she should never be covered up, she needs plenty of light and she hasn't looked back since.'

Asian Maze was last seen finishing sixth behind Hardy Eustace in the AIG Champion Hurdle, but Mullins insists she will be seen in a better light at Cheltenham.

'She is still on course for the race, definitely,' he told At The Races.

'I'm very pleased with her at the moment, she is very fit and she seems to be coming round as she does at this time of year.

'We will probably give her a couple more gallops and she will more than likely end up at Leopardstown on Sunday after racing.

'What we could really do with is the weather picking up.

'I've never had any qualms about her taking on the best over two miles. We've already beaten Brave Inca once this season and we beat Hardy Eustace last season.

'We always get a few pounds off them as well, which is a help, but I've always said that if I get her there right, I don't know what will beat her.'

Asian Maze can be backed at 25-1 for the Champion Hurdle.

(C) PA Sport