Mullins relies on Phil Willie Mullins relies on A Toi Phil in a bit to extend his excellent record in the Nathaniel Lacy & Partners Solicitors Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown on Sunday. The champion trainer has saddled the last four winners of the Grade Two contest, with Boston Bob, Pont Alexandre, Sure Reef and Outlander all claiming victory. A Toi Phil made an inauspicious start to his career in Ireland when running out and unseating his rider at Clonmel, but he made amends when winning in good style at Leopardstown just four days later. The six-year-old faces five rivals this weekend and Bryan Cooper, retained rider for owners Gigginstown House Stud, takes over in the saddle from the trainer's son, Patrick. Acapella Bourgeois impressed over the course and distance at Leopardstown's Christmas meeting and represents trainer Sandra Hughes and jockey Jonathan Burke. Stuart Crawford saddles Chitu, who won a Perth bumper last summer and returned to Scotland to make a winning debut over jumps at Musselburgh in November. The Jessica Harrington-trained Woodland Opera enjoys a slight drop in class after seemingly having his limitations exposed in the Future Champions Novice Hurdle over Christmas. Chain Gang also won at the track over Christmas for Alan Fleming, while Cardinal Palace from James Nash's stable completes the field.
