Fairytale on for Paisley Park

● Lavelle’s charge ‘at his peak’ for Stayers’ Hurdle with Faugheen the romantic pick

Emma Lavelle feels Paisley Park is at the peak of his powers as he bids to confirm his position as the No 1 three-miler when he lines up for the Sun Racing Stayers’ Hurdle on day three at Cheltenham.

The seven-year-old has won all four of his races this season, progressing from handicaps to Grade One success in the JLT Hurdle at Ascot in December and the Cleeve Hurdle on Trials’ Day at Cheltenham in January, when he romped home by 12 lengths from West Approach.

“Everything has gone as well as it could possibly go. Now it’s all about just hoping we get a bit of luck in running. I’m really happy with him and we’ll see what happens,” said Lavelle.

“He looks fantastic. He’s done everything we’ve asked of him. “Hopefully we’ll get some luck. He’s been brilliant his season. It’s not too much of a hope he can keep it going.”

Lavelle believes Paisley Park will not be worried about the ground unless it went really heavy.

“He’s pretty easy with the ground. He won on soft ground at Ascot, it was good to soft when he won the Cleeve,” said the Marlborough handler.

“I don’t think he’s particularly bothered one way or the other. Probably if it was very heavy it might not play to all his strengths, but hopefully he’ll handle whatever is put to him.”

Faugheen will bring the house down if he can add the Stayers’ Hurdle to his Champion Hurdle success of four years ago.

At the age of 11 the Willie Mullins-trained superstar is in the twilight of his career, but connections are hopeful the fire still burns bright.

“For Faugheen to win another race at Cheltenham would be fantastic,” said Mullins of Ruby Walsh’s mount.

“After he fell at Christmas, initially I thought that would be him and he’d never run again, but we were amazed how quick his recovery was.

“He was very sore around his shoulder, in his neck and hind quarters and I thought we’d never get him back so it’s a testament to him that he’s back.”

Patrick Mullins partners Bacardys – a final flight faller in last year’s renewal. Bapaume and Coquin Mans complete the Closutton quartet.

Mullins jnr said: “I’m delighted to be getting the leg back over Bacardys. I think he would have been third last year, I don’t think this year’s race is any better and I think he’s overpriced.

“Bapaume has run well here before and has a good each-way chance, and Coquin Mans could run well if he puts his best foot forward. I think going back left-handed will be a help to him.”

Supasundae was only beaten two lengths when second 12 months ago and that was the last time he ran over three miles.

After ending last term with victory in the Punchestown Hurdle over two miles, Jessica Harrington’s charge has finished second in all his three starts this winter, with two behind Apple’s Jade.

Harrington had thought of heading to the Champion Hurdle this time, but decided to try the Stayers’ again.

“Supasundae is in good form. He has been such a consistent horse for us and when you look at his record, he only ever runs in Grade Ones,” said the County Kildare handler.

“He has won at the highest level and has also been placed on multiple occasions in Grade One races, so he has been a privilege to train.

“At the beginning of the year, I thought he would be a Champion Hurdle horse as I thought last year’s renewal was quite weak, but Apple’s Jade and Laurina look very talented this year, so it has helped make us lean towards the Stayers’ Hurdle.”