Grimes Hurdle preview Willie Mullins sends both So Young and Midnight Game in pursuit of Grade Three honours in Sunday's Kevin McManus Bookmakers Grimes Hurdle at Tipperary. So Young was last seen finishing ninth behind Celestial Halo in the Prix La Barka at Auteuil in May while Midnight Game was last seen over obstacles when well behind stablemate Hurricane Fly at Punchestown in April. The latter warmed up for this event with a run on the Flat at Down Royal last month and Mullins is anticipating good efforts from both of his contenders. "Both should handle the ground fine and I've no problems in that department," he said. "So Young came out of his race in France fine and both are in good form. "I've no plans after Sunday's race regarding Galway or any other meeting coming up but I'm hoping for good runs from both at Tipperary." Mullins' brother Tom fields Fosters Cross, who was a winner on the level at Leopardstown last week, with the popular veteran due to make the trip to Galway at the end of the month. "He is a hardy type of horse and came out of his race very well, as he always does," he said. "He's in good form and conditions suit on Sunday, getting weight from some of the others. "Hopefully the ground is well watered and is safe and if he comes out of Sunday's race fine, we'll try to find some race at Galway for him." Shadow Eile has mixed it with the best mares in recent outings, finishing fourth behind Quevega at Cheltenham before claiming second in the Punchestown Grade One. Trainer Dot Love reports her charge to be in top form but admits some concerns about the ground. She said: "We worked her over a short distance on Thursday and she is in great form. "There aren't too many runners on Sunday and while she is at her best on top of the ground, everyone would have to be a little concerned about the ground. "However, we've heard great reports about it and we're looking forward to the race." Jessica Harrington's Steps To Freedom reverts to hurdles having twice finished second in chases recently while the field is completed by Ted Dolly, Aughnacurraveel and Silk Hall.
