Warwick attracts Mullins runners Willie Mullins sets a poser for punters by saddling two leading contenders in Open Eagle and Thomas Hobson in the Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle at Warwick on Saturday. Both horses were decent Flat performers for David O'Meara and John Gosden respectively, before joining the top jumps trainer. The pair have already made their mark over hurdles and will now try to earn their place as a member of the Mullins battalion heading to the Cheltenham Festival. Open Eagle is owned by the Supreme Horse Racing Club, who are looking forward to seeing their charge step up in distance following his good run behind Altior at Kempton over Christmas. "We're trying a new trip with him. Ruby (Walsh) said after his really good run at Kempton that we should step him up in trip," said Supreme spokesman Steve Massey. "We have thought for a while he needs further than two miles. We're hopeful of a good run. He's in good order, but it's a tough race. He's a very exciting prospect. If he runs well then hopefully the next stage is Cheltenham in March." Mullins' son and assistant Patrick also feels it is worth seeing if Open Eagle stays further. "We think Open Eagle will stay. When Ruby got off him at Kempton he suggested stepping him up in trip, but the winner there (Altior) was certainly very impressive," he said. Of the Rich Ricci-owned Thomas Hobson, Mullins is hoping the six-year-old can show his true colours. "Thomas Hobson should stay but he is not an easy ride at all, he is keen and can hang. He has loads of ability and we're just hoping he can fulfil it," he said. "He fell on his first run and his jumping at Galway wasn't great, but it's improving slowly."
