Strong Pierse Squad For Mullins Alexander Taipan will come under consideration for the Pierse Hurdle as Willie Mullins prepares a strong team for the valuable Leopardstown handicap.The eight-year-old was an easy winner last week but a minor problem forced his withdrawal from the Phil Sweeney Memorial Chase at Thurles.Mullins said: 'It will be a possibility now but I hadn't intended running him.'He has a 7lb penalty for winning at Limerick over Christmas, which will leave him with top weight on 11st 10lb, but I'll certainly be having a word with his owner about the race.'He's probably 50-50 to run in that and I have four other horses in the race ? Deutschland, Jayo, Viso and O'Hana.'Deutschland and O'Hana both won over the Christmas period and they could certainly take their chance.'Viso I will see about as I think he's just all right after coming back from the Ladbroke,' Mullins told At The Races.'Jayo was disappointing when he was fourth at Leopardstown so I'll have to have a look at him before deciding.'(C) PA Sport
