Klassical Dream to take Hurricane Fly route to Cheltenham in Morgiana

The Unibet Morgiana Hurdle may have a brand new slot in the calendar but Willie Mullins is hoping for a familiar outcome in the first Grade 1 hurdle race of the season with Klassical Dream in line to make his eagerly anticipated return at Punchestown.

A general 7-2 favourite to give Mullins a fifth Champion Hurdle success at Cheltenham next March, Klassical Dream is one of six entries for Ireland’s champion trainer in the Morgiana, which has been brought forwards 24 hours to take place on Saturday, November 16 rather than its traditional Sunday slot.

Mullins is chasing an unprecedented ninth straight – tenth in total – Morgiana Hurdle success at Punchestown and, with last year’s winner Sharjah, Benie Des Dieux and Saldier also in the mix, he has no intention of loosening his grip on one of the great curtain-raisers of the jumps game.

Speaking on the gallops at his yard for a morning organised by Horse Racing Ireland, Mullins said: “We're going to try and start Klassical Dream off in the Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown. Hopefully, if you look up Hurricane Fly or Faugheen's path to Cheltenham, we can do something similar with this fellow. I really want soft ground for him.

“I want to get plenty of rain for Klassical Dream – he's able to win on good ground but I think he's way better on proper National Hunt ground.”

Saldier has been talked about as a potential Champion Hurdle dark horse and Mullins is happy with how Rich and Susannah Ricci’s youngster has progressed during the summer.

He said: “Saldier got a bad fall at Naas last season and broke his nose. I wasn't happy with him all last season when we got him back going and we let him off for the summer. He seems a lot better now, seems to be back to himself. We have to go down the Grade 1 hurdle route with him as well.”

Benie Des Dieux: could potentially go chasing rather than over hurdlesCredit: Patrick McCann

On last year’s winner Sharjah and Benie Des Dieux, who could also represent the Riccis, Mullins added: “Sharjah probably has to go for the Champion Hurdle again this year. His form is good and he's matured nicely for me. He's gone big and strong.

“Benie Des Dieux is also in the Morgiana and she could run there. She's got a lovely chase rating, and she could go chasing, but she won the French Champion Hurdle in May and I'd like to do something similar with her this season.

"The only difference being I'd like to get runs into her before Cheltenham and, ground depending, she'll run in those good Grade 1 hurdle races.”

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