Willie Mullins’ Next Destination looking to take another step closer to the Cheltenham Festival with victory at Naas on Sunday
Next Destination will run in the Lawlor's of Naas Novice Hurdle at Naas on Sunday and is expected to prove popular with punters following his impressive win last time out
NEXT DESTINATION faces seven rivals in Sunday's Lawlor's of Naas Novice Hurdle as he looks to extend his winning run over hurdles.
Willie Mullins' six-year-old will be an odds-on favourite after impressing in a Grade 2 contest on his last start.
Patrick Mullins, assistant to his father Willie, said: "This race has been the plan for Next Destination since before Christmas. 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.
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"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."
The champion trainer also saddles Duc Des Genievres, who makes his Irish debut after winning his only start in France.
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Mullins added: "We saw at Leopardstown last week, it is never any harm to have back up in these races.
"Duc Des Genievres won his maiden hurdle in France in May, so is slightly more difficult to place.
"He is a horse we like a lot."
Gordon Elliott relies upon Blow By Blow and Cracking Smart.
Joseph O'Brien's Speak Easy created a huge impression when winning on his hurdling debut at Navan, but faces a huge step up in class.
Owner JP McManus' racing manager Frank Berry said: "He lacks a bit of experience for a race like that, but he's in good form and we'll learn a lot from the race.
"He'll have learnt a lot from Navan and we'll learn a lot more from him on Sunday."
Noel Meade's duo of Moyross and Athenean and the Jessica Harrington-trained Jetz complete the field.