Mullins talks of Gold Cup hopes

Willie Mullins has plenty of Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup options as he strives to finally land the blue riband next month

Djakadam has twice finished second in the race and is once again likely to try his luck in the Rich Ricci silks.

"There's a lot of feeling that he should go back to the Ryanair, and that might happen, but I feel he should go for the Gold Cup," said Mullins.

"He doesn't look the same horse on the track this season. He certainly hasn't fired like he has in other seasons."

The champion trainer is likely to be well represented in the big one on March 16th.

He added: "Killultagh Vic is straightforward and he goes for the Gold Cup. We were very happy with his last run (a last-fence faller in the Irish Gold Cup).

"He looked in a good position and I wouldn't have been betting against him going to the last - he had the momentum going to the last.

"I thought he had a very good chance and I've no worries about his stamina.

"Total Recall obviously had the Grand National as his main aim but I think he's going to go for the Gold Cup.

"He's a relaxed horse and he jumps economically so I think that will suit him in a Gold Cup.

"Bachasson's connections are keen for him to run, too. He's a brilliant jumper but the Gold Cup might be a tough race for him.

"I've been second six times but some good trainers won't have six runners in it in their careers so I think I've been lucky.

"We've a nice hand this year. It looks an open race and if you have a horse of that calibre, you have a go."