Patrick Mullins is expecting leading young hurdler Bapaume to ‘bounce back’ to winning ways as he takes on four rivals in the Boyne Hurdle (2.20pm Navan).
The five-year-old established himself as one of Ireland’s leading juvenile hurdlers last season, winning a Grade Two at Leopardstown before finishing second at the top level.
He finished a creditble third behind Defi Du Seuil in the Triumph Hurdle, before striking at the top level at Punchestown. Since another creditable place at the top level he has struggled against his elders.
He was just over five lengths off Apple’s Jade, but was well beaten in the battle between Supasundae and Faugheen a fortnight ago.
This race is a big step down, as he hopes to give his trainer a first win in five years in this 2m4f contest.
“He was a little bit disappointing last time out after a fantastic comeback run behind Apple's Jade and Supasundae," said Patrick Mullins, assistant to Willie.
"We're going back up in trip with him and he's well in at the weights, so we're hoping he can bounce back."
Gordon Elliott is double handed in the Grade Two contest, with Diamond Cauchois set to be his leading contender.
The seven-year-old was an impressive eight length winner here back in December, before finishing third in a Grade Two last time.
Lieutenant Colonel also runs for the County Meath trainer, he was pulled-up on his last outing at Gowran Park a month ago.
Patrick Griffin’s Maggio, who finished fourth on his last start, also takes his chance.
TIP: Bapaume is a horse who sets a clear standard here and if he runs his best race then he may prove very hard to beat. He was a very talented juvenile hurdler who hasn’t been able to build on that form quite yet, but he is a young horse and this is a fantastic opportunity to return to winning ways.
