Willie Mullins hoping to extend his brilliant record in the Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle at Punchestown with Getabird
GETABIRD heads a trio of runners for Willie Mullins in Saturday's Sky Bet Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle at Punchestown.
Mullins has saddled six of the last nine winners of the Grade 2 contest and has a strong hand once again.
Getabird, who carries the colours of Rich Ricci, has made an impressive start to his hurdling career and looks ready to step up in Grade.
With Ruby Walsh and Danny Mullins sidelined by injury and Paul Townend suspended, the trainer's son Patrick Mullins takes the ride.
He told Press Association Sport: "It's great to get the ride. I'm two from two on him in bumpers and he was impressive on his first run over hurdles.
"This race has a good record of producing Cheltenham winners and it fits in well, timing wise. If you happen to miss Christmas you can come here and then head on to Cheltenham."
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Mullins also saddles Carter McKay (David Mullins), and Makitorix (Rachael Blackmore).
Mullins jnr added: "Getabird and Carter McKay were both at the top of our list as bumper horses last year and they've both won their maiden hurdles well, so they're two live chances.
"Makitorix has been disappointing the last twice, but both runs were just too bad to be true. His work at home is very good and we're hoping he'll show on the track what he does at home."
The biggest threat looks to be Gordon Elliott's Mengli Khan, who was impressive when completing a hat-trick in the Royal Bond.
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However, the he has questions to answer after running out through the wings of the second-last hurdle at Leopardstown over the festive period.
Owners Gigginstown House Stud are also represented by Hardline and the in-form High School Days.
Gigginstown manager Eddie O'Leary said: "We're hoping what happened to Mengli Khan in Leopardstown was just a one-off.
"There was maybe a shadow on the hurdle and we're hoping he won't do it again.
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"He has to give weight them all on Saturday, so it will be a very good performance if he does manage to win.
"High School Days is rapidly improving and Hardline is entitled to take his chance."
The Tom Mullins-trained outsider Top Othe Ra completes the line-up.