Mullins wants rain for Mikael

Willie Mullins would have preferred more rain at Cheltenham ahead of Mikael D'Haguenet's Ballymore Novices' Hurdle run on Wednesday.

The French import has been unbeaten since joining Mullins, winning over a range of distances from two miles to two and a half, but all his victories have come on ground with plenty of give in it.

As he is only a five-year-old, Mullins had been undecided whether to let him take his chance at the Festival this year but the improvement he has shown forced Mullins' hand.

"The ground is just safe (for him). I would rather have seen more rain and there is a bit more forecast which would be welcome," said Mullins.

"It's just safe for him but I would certainly rather see softer conditions.

"There is not a question about him running though, I think he'll go.

"He's a Grade One winner over two and a half miles and he has won over two also, so two-five shouldn't be a problem.

"This trip will bring out more of his stamina which will help him with the ground not being as soft as he likes."

Mikael D'Haguenet is among a 14-strong field with all his main market rivals such as Karabak, Diamond Harry and Mad Max standing their ground.