Willie Mullins believes Next Destination can prove he’s good enough to challenge Samcro at Cheltenham, as he hopes for a first Grade One at Naas.
Exciting novice prospect Samcro was set to run but trainer Gordon Elliott pulled the unbeaten star out of the Lawlor's Of Naas Novice Hurdle earlier this week.
Mullins’ six-year-old finished fourth in the Champion Bumper, and has been classy since switching to hurdling. He won on debut by 13 lengths, before landing a Grade Two stylishly on his last outing.
The yard have won this race six times, as the unbeaten hurdler hopes to join the roll of honour which includes Grand National hero Rule The World, Bellshill and Death Duty.
"This race has been the plan for Next Destination since before Christmas,” said Patrick Mullins, assistant to Willie.
“He won his maiden hurdle at Naas and it is always nice to have course form.
"Two and a half miles looks like it will suit him after his win at Navan.
"We are hoping at this stage that he might make into a horse for the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham and we'll find out a bit more after Sunday."
Duc Des Genievres is another for the Closutton yard, but faces a stiff task on his Irish and hurdling debut. He may be one to follow further down the line.
"Duc Des Genievres won his maiden hurdle in France in May,” he added.
“So it is slightly more difficult to place. He is a horse we like a lot."
Gordon Elliott is double handed with Blow by Blow and Cracking Smart. The latter was second behind Next Destination last time, whilst Grade One winning bumper star Blow By Blow got off the mark over hurdles at the third time of asking last month.
Joseph O’Brien’s Speak Easy is two from two, after winning his hurdling debut very well, whilst Noel Meade’s Athenean broke his maiden over the smaller obstacles last month.
Moyross and Jetz also feature in the Grade One contest.
TIP: Next Destination will probably win this contest, as he seems a class above a few of these rivals in a Grade Two last month. Cracking Smart could end up second again, as he is very good hurdler. Another Barney and Asthuria are both very well regarded prospects also on the card.
