Maze Set To Swerve World Hurdle

Asian Maze is unlikely to run in next week’s Ladbrokes World Hurdle — with trainer Tom Mullins eyeing a crack at the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle instead.

The dual Grade One-winning mare is as low as 5-1 for the stayers’ race at the Festival but connections are “90% certain” she will go for the two-mile championship on Tuesday.

“We are leaning towards the Champion Hurdle now and I would say she is 90% certain to run in that race,” Mullins told PA Sport.

“The ground has eased and Ruby Walsh is keen to ride her. She is very well and deserves a crack at it.”

The seven-year-old impressed as a novice last season with her bold front-running style and has only raced once this season, when flashing home to take second behind Macs Joy in the Red Mills Trial Hurdle last month.

Mullins’ charge then completed her Cheltenham preparations when working at Leopardstown last Sunday.

“She worked well and has come out of it fine,” added the County Kilkenny trainer.

Asian Maze is as low as 14-1 with William Hill for the Champion Hurdle.

? PA Sport