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One trainer, one horse, one jockey and one race to watch on Saturday

Trainer

Willie Mullins becomes the first Irish trainer to have a runner on British soil since the travel ban between the two nations was lifted last week when he saddles Champion Bumper hope Grangee in the Listed mares' bumper at Market Rasen (3.15), a race he also won last year.

The Irish champion trainer had a sparkling run of success over Christmas and also has five runners at Fairyhouse as he looks to continue his red-hot form.

Willie Mullins: sent out the lazy but talented Cavallino to win at Clonmel
Willie Mullins: bidding to win Market Rasen's Listed bumper for the second year in successionCredit: Patrick McCann

Exciting French recruit Youmdor made a striking debut for the yard at Gowran Park in November and looks to back that up in the 2m hurdle (12.00). Manitopark AA (1.05), Pont Aven and Fan De Blues (2.15), and Hi Ho Phoenix (4.00) are Mullins' other runners.

Horse

There will be no repeat of last Saturday's super seven winners for Paul Nicholls, but he does have a strong chance of landing more Graded honours with Next Destination in the Grade 2 Hampton Novices' Chase (1.50).

The nine-year-old was a top-class novice hurdler for Willie Mullins in 2018, beating Delta Work in a Grade 1 at Punchestown before injury forced him off the track for two and a half years.

Next Destination: has impressed since joining Paul Nicholls
Next Destination: has impressed since joining Paul NichollsCredit: Alan Crowhurst

He returned in October for his new yard with a second at Wetherby, before victory in the John Francome Novices' Chase at Newbury marked him as a strong contender for the race formerly known as the RSA Chase.

His main danger is the Colin Tizzard-trained Fiddlerontheroof, who has flattered to deceive in several small-field novice chases this season.

Jockey

Harry Skelton has a strong book of rides at Warwick as he looks to continue an excellent campaign alongside brother and trainer Dan.

His day is kicked off by Amoola Gold in the Edward Courage Cup Handicap Chase (1.15), before Midnight River provides him with a solid chance in the Grade 2 Ballymore Leamington Novices' Hurdle (2.25).

Harry Skelton struck aboard Roksana
Harry Skelton: has four good chances at Warwick on SaturdayCredit: Michael Steele (Getty Images)

Captain Chaos is also among the market leaders for the feature Classic Chase (3.00). Skelton's day comes to a close with Ardlethen, who returns to hurdling for the Pertemps qualifier (3.35).

Race

The highlight of Warwick's seven-race card is the McCoy Contractors Civil Engineering Classic Handicap Chase (3.00), which is run over a gruelling 3m5f on likely heavy ground.

Dual-purpose trainer Alan King is bidding for a third win in this Grade 3 contest and has long been aiming Notachance here.

Walk In The Mill: set to run in Warwick's Classic Chase for in-form trainer Robert Walford
Walk In The Mill: set to run in Warwick's Classic Chase for in-form trainer Robert WalfordCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

One For Arthur captured the Classic before going on to Grand National glory in 2017, a feat Robert Walford would love to pull off with dual Becher Chase hero Walk In The Mill.

The outlook became even more competitive when Le Breuil, Late Romantic and Red Infantry were rerouted here after Catterick's North Yorkshire Grand National meeting was cancelled on Thursday.


Read more:

'The Riccis said to get in touch if I found a nice horse. I'm delighted I have'

Confirmed runners and riders for the Classic Chase at Warwick on Saturday

Champion Bumper hope to be Willie Mullins' first British runner since travel ban

Is racing on or off? Updated weather prospects for the upcoming meetings


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Sam HendryDigital journalist

Published on 15 January 2021inNews

Last updated 11:10, 15 January 2021

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