Thousand Stars in Champion reckoning Thousand Stars looks set to be aimed at the Stan James Champion Hurdle in March. Willie Mullins' charge was fourth behind stablemate Hurricane Fly in the race last year, but has since proved his ability to stay three miles with a Grade One victory in France. That led to speculation he could be aimead the Ladbrokes World Hurdle but the trainer told At The Races: "At the moment I would be going Champion Hurdle. "It's going to be hard to beat Big Buck's (in the World Hurdle), but hopefully, it's going to be hard to beat Hurricane Fly. "He's got some nice options after that. I actually think the race in Aintree (Aintree Hurdle over two and a half miles) should be his big target this season." The grey made an impressive return to action when making all the running in the two-mile Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown in November but was beaten by Unaccompanied having been ridden less aggressively at Leopardstown over Christmas. Ruby Walsh's tactics in the latter race were criticised in some quarters afterwards, but Mullins believes it is easy to be wise after the event. "There was plenty of pace on in the race and Ruby did what he thought was right. He was giving a very good mare 10lb, who has more speed tactically," Mullins said. "It's easy to ride from the stands after the race. Ruby did what he thought was right, he might ride it differently, but you don't get that option do you? Ruby gets it right nine times out of 10, or maybe more."
