Mullins hopeful of big Cairdin run Mags Mullins is hoping Cairdin will put his best foot forward in the Leopardstown Handicap Chase at the south Co. Dublin track on Saturday. The eight-year-old has been in good form of late without getting his head in front, something he last achieved in December 2012. His latest effort when beaten two and three-quarter lengths in second place behind King Vuvuzela at Leopardstown on St Stephen's Day was most encouraging. Ms Mullins said, "Adrian Heskin came over to sit on him last weekend and told me ‘God he feels good’. He jumped one fence just to get to know him. “He’s always run well at Leopardstown, and ran well there at Christmas. It’s a little bit further this time, its 2m5f and usually he runs over two miles or 2m2f. But he’s bred to be a three-miler, and I always thought that was the distance he’d want. “I’d be hopeful he’ll get the trip and I’m happy with him. "He has a low weight and I don't know if that will make any difference. It's fingers crossed but these handicaps are a bit of a lottery. I'm happy to be there and to take our chances." King Vuvuzela's trainer Paul Nolan reports him in good form for the 2m5f test along with stablemate Sweeney Tunes. “Sweeney Tunes ran a cracker in this race last year (beaten a head by Farrells Fancy), and in the Irish National and again ran really well in the Paddy Power at Leopardstown over Christmas. I think just dropping back a little in trip might help him. “He’s in good nick since his last run but he seems to be in the grip of the handicapper.” “King Vuvuzela had a good win at Leopardstown the last day but the handicapper didn’t miss him either and he got 10lb. He’s gone up 24lb for two wins but he has a lovely weight and should run well. “He might be coming to the end of his tether but hopefully he’ll still be competitive. He won over two miles and a furlong the last day and its 2m5f now but I don’t think there should be a reason why he won’t stay the trip. “He needs a bit of luck in running the way we ride him from behind and it’s a 22 runner field," said Nolan.
