David Mullins keen on Power chances

David Mullins believes Brain Power will "take a lot of beating" in next week's Stan James Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

Mullins teamed up with the Nicky Henderson-trained six-year-old to win a valuable Ascot handicap in December and is due to retain the partnership in the championship event.

Wayward in his younger days, Brain Power has been far more tractable this season and if the rain stays away, Mullins can see him taking a hand in the finish.

"I schooled him at Seven Barrows on Friday morning and he was brilliant," said Mullins in his RacingFX blog.

"I think he is a big price in a very open race, if he gets some reasonable ground he will take a lot of beating, he is a straightforward character and he is improving all the time. I think the Champion Hurdle will suit him, we haven't seen his limit yet."

Ch'Tibello is set to take his place next Tuesday after making a speedy recovery from a breathing operation.

Trainer Dan Skelton reported Ch'Tibello was only "50-50" to run in the Champion after having his wind tweaked following an outing at Wincanton last month.

He was just a length behind Yanworth in the Kingwell Hurdle that day but Skelton felt he did not see his race out as well as expected, prompting the surgery.

Part-owner Ian Marmion said: "Assuming that we don't miss a day between now and Monday, he runs.

"He's physically 100% and hasn't really missed any work, but he's been feeling a little bit sorry for himself post-op. However, he has brightened up in the last couple of days.

"It's a gamble, but there's never been a better year to have one that's just below Champion class and we're keen to let him take his chance."