Patrick Mullins keen on Casey Patrick Mullins believes Ballycasey has a good chance in the Crabbie's Grand National on April 9. The grey came down in the Aintree race last year and has been allotted 10st 6lb this time. He joins stablemates Don Poli (11st 9lb), Valseur Lido (11st 6lb), On HIs Own (11st 1lb), Sir Des Champs (10st 13lb), Boston Bob (10st 10lb) and Turban (10st 10lb) in a strong potential Willie Mullins squad. Mullins jnr, assistant trainer to his father, said: "Don Poli and Valseur Lido are similar types of horses. The further they go the better they are. The plan for both is to go for the Gold Cup then re-evaluate with regards to Aintree, but they are entered to have the option. "Boston Bob and Sir Des Champs are horses that are probably 'well in' on their best form. They've both been disappointing on their last few runs. Sometimes, though, you get these older horses that get a new lease of life in these unique races. I think they've got two nice weights if they can rediscover their old form. "Turban has to finish in the first four in a three-mile race. He was running very well in the Topham last year when he came down. If we could qualify him he would go but if not he would go for the Topham. "Ballycasey is probably our most likely runner. He only got to the Canal Turn where he got an extra obstacle in Balthazar King which took him out of the race. His two runs this year have been disappointing, but I don't think he goes on the tacky Irish winter ground any more. "He has got 10st 6lb and this is a horse that beat Don Cossack and Carlingford Lough in the Moriarty. There might be a slight question mark over his stamina, but I think with that weight and class he has to be taken seriously. "On His Own has 11st 1lb. He was second in a Gold Cup but he is 12 years old now and he kind of has his days where he gets up on the right side and wrong side of the bed. "I'd love to ride him and to ride in the National would be a dream - 11st 1lb would be light for me but I've got a long time to prepare for it. He has run in it twice and fallen twice, but beggars can't be choosers. "I think Ballycasey has the weight. He took to the course last year and we are putting his problems down to the ground and that's what we are seeing."
