Faugheen to stroll it

WILLIE MULLINS should have another bumper payday at Leopardstown today with a hat-trick of graded wins.

FAUGHEEN should gain revenge on stablemate Nichols Canyon after the lack of a run caught him out in the Morgiana Hurdle.

Under the cosh from some way out that day, the reigning champion could not bridge the gap on Nichols Canyon.

A lethal display of jumping and galloping in Kempton’s Christmas Hurdle saw Faugheen back on track and he can warm up for the Cheltenham Festival by taking this Grade One event at 3.05.

DOUVAN should retain his unbeaten chase record in the Arkle Chase at 1.55 but a better value wager is A TOI FILL.

Willie’s jockey son Patrick (above) was full of praise for this young horse when he dismounted after winning at the track last time and the extra quarter mile of the Grade Two novice hurdle (1.20) should prove right up his street. Outside the big races, have a second look at the Charles Byrne-trained CLAR NA MIONN in the Colours Bar Chase at 3.35.

Previous to winning over course and distance last time out, the seven-year-old had been running in better class and his shrewd trainer feels he could be an Irish National horse this year. At Chelmsford, I like the look of top weight LUPO D’ORO in the seven furlong affair at 1.45 following a back-to-form second at Kempton last week, while YOU’RE COOL can make the most of his light weight in the 2.50.

He was behind Bosham here two outings back but on these revised terms the four-year-old can reverse that form in what is sure to be a fast run race.

Meanwhile today’s card at Fontwell was called off yesterday morning due to a waterlogged track. They had planned an 8.30am inspection but made an earlier call when it was apparent racing stood no chance of taking place.