Hercules and Heroes clash in Kerry Group The Kerry Group Stayers Novice Hurdle at Cork on Sunday looks a red-hot Grade Three event as Black Hercules is taken on by No More Heroes. The Gigginstown-owned No More Heroes won a two-and-a-half-mile bumper at last year's Leopardstown Christmas meeting by an incredible 39 lengths and had little difficulty justifying prohibitive odds on his hurdling debut at Punchestown last month. The prospect of testing ground is music to trainer Gordon Elliott's ears and he is looking forward to this step up in class. "I think he's a very good horse and I'll be disappointed if he doesn't go close. Three miles on soft ground will be right up his street and he's in good form," said Elliott. "He's a horse to really look forward to and should be a lovely staying chaser down the line." Black Hercules is another top-class prospect for champion trainer Willie Mullins. A dual bumper winner last year, the imposing five-year-old was a gallant fourth behind Silver Concorde in the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham and jumped well in the main when making a winning start over obstacles over two miles here last month. Mullins said: "He jumped well at the track last time and the step up to three miles shouldn't bother him. "We're happy with him and hopefully he'll run well." The master of Closutton also runs the mare Ask Vic, runner-up to Martello Tower in a Grade Three over the course and distance last time. "She has run some tremendous races this season and we'll be delighted if she can pick up some more black type," said Mullins. The Robert Tyner-trained Pulled Mussel bids to make it a hat-trick at Cork having won a bumper and maiden hurdle at the track. Alpha Des Obeaux, Annamatopoeia and Kilnockin Lady, all successful in maiden hurdles last time, complete the seven runner line-up.
