Alexandre set for Cork return Pont Alexandre could make his long awaited reappearance at Cork next Thursday after trainer Willie Mullins issued a positive bulletin on his progress today. The German-bred earned a lofty reputation two seasons ago when winning a Grade 1 at Navan on his debut for the yard and was sent to Cheltenham as a strong favourite for the Neptune Novice Hurdle. The Rich Ricci owned-gelding had to settle for third on that occasion behind The New One and hasn't been seen on the racecourse since, having missed an engagement at Punchestown subsequently when lame. The seven-year-old holds an entry CIT Rag Week Hurdle at the Mallow venue and will run baring a setback between now and then. "Pont Alexandre is starting to show a bit at home and is entered at Cork next Thursday," said Mullins at Thurles today. "He has had little problems and had little breaks but if he gets a clear run before Thursday, I'd be happy to run." (Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes)
