Mullins' Festival Hopes

Willie Mullins has declared his chief Cheltenham hopes to be on top of their game with less than two weeks to go before the Festival.

Mullins, who is 10-1 with Ladbrokes to be crowned top trainer at Cheltenham, has an ominously strong string heading to Prestbury Park this year with the likes of Hedgehunter, Missed That and Our Ben set to take their chance.

Although Hedgehunter is still not a definite runner in the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup, the County Carlow handler expects his 2005 Grand National hero to run Beef Or Salmon closer than when they last met in the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Leopardstown.

He said: 'We've got to decide to run first but he'll handle the ground and handle the track and the extra quarter of a mile will also be a help to us.

'There's a lot more horses than Beef Or Salmon in the race, but if he (Beef Or Salmon) goes there in the form he was in at Leopardstown, he'll be difficult to beat.

'I think if everything goes right and Hedgehunter runs, we certainly won't be out of the picture coming up the hill ? God knows what will happen after that.'

Mullins also reported last season's Weatherbys Champion Bumper winner Missed That to be in rude health ahead of a tilt at the Irish Independent Arkle Challenge Trophy.

'It takes him a while to get going but he's jumped really well in the last mile of his last two races,' he continued.

'He showed his liking for the track last year and, provided he settles into jumping early in the race, I think he must have a hell of a chance,' he told At The Races.

Talented gelding Our Ben, third in Dr PJ Moriarty Novice Chase at Leopardstown last time out, is on course to take his chance in the Royal & SunAlliance Chase while Mullins is leaning towards giving Quatre Heures the chance to shine in the Anglo Irish Bank Supreme Novices' Hurdle.

? PA Sport