Willie Mullins saddles five in search of a sixth Prix la Barka win since 2012

Prix la Barka (Grade 2) | 5f | 5yo+ | SKY

There have been a couple of star names on the roster of French hurdlers in Gemix and De Bon Coeur who have succeeded in holding back the Anglo-Irish tide in the Grande Course de Haies in recent years.

But when it comes to the Prix la Barka – formerly the final prep for France's Champion Hurdle and now the consolation race which follows three weeks later – it has been one way traffic for the visitors.

Since the first of two wins for Thousand Stars in 2012, Willie Mullins has won all but two editions of this Grade 2, with Paul Nicholls and David Pipe helping themselves to one each.

Mullins has the luxury of leaving Grande Course heroine Benie Des Dieux at home and has fourth-placed Bapaume spearheading his challenge under Paul Townend, while also being responsible for four others in the nine-runner field.

Mr Adjudicator finished seventh here three weeks ago under James Reveley and now teams up with France's champion, Bertrand Lestrade.

Paddy Brennan – a rider with good winning experience around Auteuil – rides Stormy Ireland who consistently ran into one too good over the course of last season, but it is unlikely she'll meet anything of the calibre of either Benie Des Dieux or Espoir D'Allen.

Pierre Dubourg gets the call for Quick Grabim while Danny Mullins rides Pravalaguna, who will hope for a happier experience than on her last trip to Paris when falling at the first.

French pride looks to rest with Blue Dragon, an extremely talented runner on his day and showing signs of a return to form after being plagued by injury.

Still only an eight-year-old, Blue Dragon clashed with Un De Sceaux earlier in his career when ridden by David Cottin, who has now taken over training the son of Califet.

Patrick Mullins on the Closutton squad

Bapaume won it last year and has a penalty. He jumps French hurdles very well and seems to enjoy intermediate distances. He ran well in the Grande Course last month and we're looking forward to another big run.

Mr Adjudicator bids to build on his 7th pace in the French Champion HurdleCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Mr Adjudicator ran well in the Grande Course. It was his first run over French hurdles and he was hampered leaving the back-straight. He should finish closer this time.

Quick Grabim had an interrupted season so we decided to let him take his chance. Hopefully he'll run better than he did at Punchestown last time.

Pravalaguna is reverting from fences having fallen last time. She also fell at Auteuil two years ago and while she seems in good form we're hoping mainly for a clear round.

Stormy Ireland has been very consistent and ran third over the course a year ago. We're expecting a big run from her.

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