Cilaos Emery heads Mullins stars on a big day for the champion trainer

Willie Mullins has opted to wait 24 hours to unleash Racing Post Arkle winner Duc Des Gevievres at Navan, so the baton is handed over to the exciting Cilaos Emery in the Grade 3 Poplar Square Chase (1.05) at Naas.

Cilaos Emery, a Grade 1 winner over hurdles, made an explosive start to his chasing career at Gowran Park in January and that form could hardly have worked out better with subsequent Racing Post Arkle winner Duc Des Gevievres in third.

"Cilaos Emery has some fantastic form in the book, but you must remember this is only his second run over fences and he is taking on some far more experienced horses. A clear round would be the main objective for him," said Patrick Mullins, whose father is in Australia to see True Self running in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Flemington.

It won't be easy for Cilaos Emery to maintain his unbeaten record over fences as Grade 1-winning chaser, Ornua, is in opposition and the enthusiastic front-running will ensure a fast pace throughout.

"We're really looking forward to getting Ornua back in action. He has been working well and he looks great, so this was a nice place to come to start back," said Henry de Bromhead.

There is an illustrious roll of honour in the 2m3f beginners' chase (3.25), including Road To Respect and Road To Riches, and Tornado Flyer appears the pick of Mullins' three runners.

"Last season didn't go to plan for Tornado Flyer but you must remember he won the Grade 1 bumper at Punchestown in 2018 under Richie Deegan where he beat Blackbow. He has schooled very well and we are hoping he will be one of our top novice chasers this season," Mullins said.

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