Naas is Next Destination For Mullins Novice

Next Destination heads a field of eight for the Lawlor's of Naas Novice Hurdle on Sunday.

Willie Mullins has declared two horses in the Grade One, a race in which he has an exceptional record, but there is no doubting Next Destination is his number one hope.

Just behind the very best in bumpers last season, he has won both starts over hurdles to date and looks a very exciting prospect.

Mullins said: “Bringing Next Destination back to Naas has been the plan for some time. He is a horse that has improved hugely this season and we were very impressed with him when he won his maiden hurdle at Naas in November. We won the race two years ago with Bellshill, it is just really well placed in the calendar just after Christmas and it suits horses that are probably going along the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle road at Cheltenham. It has got a really nice position in the calendar.”

Unexposed stablemate Duc Des Genievres, a five-year-old French import, joins Next Destination in the line-up.

Gordon Elliott was not totally happy with Samcro earlier in the week so he instead relies upon Blow By Blow and Cracking Smart.

Joseph O'Brien's Speak Easy created a huge impression when winning on his hurdling debut at Navan, but he faces a huge step up in class.

Owner JP McManus' racing manager Frank Berry said: "He lacks a bit of experience for a race like that, but he's in good form and we'll learn a lot from the race.

"He'll have learnt a lot from Navan and we'll learn a lot more from him on Sunday."

Noel Meade's duo of Moyross and Athenean and the Jessica Harrington-trained Jetz complete the field.

Meade said: “Moyross has been good over hurdles at Galway and Cork but going back in trip would be the one worry we have as three miles probably suits him better but it is going to be heavy ground which will suit him and Athenean is in good form and we are happy with him. Two and a half miles would look like a trip that will suit him.”