Willie Mullins tests the water to see if Allaho is Cheltenham material

Surehaul Mercedes-Benz Novice Hurdle (Grade 3) | 3m | 4yo+ | RTV

Allaho will be Willie Mullins’ only runner and Ruby Walsh’s only ride at Clonmel when he takes on more experienced rivals in the Grade 3 novice hurdle.

Runner-up in a Listed race on his only start over hurdles at Auteuil, the Cheveley Park-owned five-year-old started favourite for a Leopardstown bumper last December but could only finish fourth.

That form was boosted at Thurles last week when Sempo, who finished third, landed a bumper by 15 lengths, and if Allaho can step forward he may well contest either the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle or Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

Willie Mullins (right) is on a fact-finding mission with AllahoCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Mullins said: “We think the step up in trip will suit Allaho. He’s been working well and we need to get a run into him to see what he might be capable of, and if he’s good enough to consider for Cheltenham or elsewhere.”

Eurobot is the only one of the nine runners to have won over the trip. He landed a maiden at Cork on his debut last month, and his trainer Noel Meade said: “He’s quite slow at home and we’re hoping the ground will be testing enough for him. He showed he stayed the distance well at Cork.”"

Watch: Eurobot records an easy win at Cork

Gigginstown House Stud, owners of Eurobot, are also represented by the Gordon Elliott-trained Swordsman. He was well held in a Grade 2 last time, having previously landed a 2m4f maiden by 12 lengths at Fairyhouse on New Year’s Day.

“It will be his first time going the distance but the way he won at Fairyhouse was encouraging,” said Elliott.

Henry de Bromhead, successful with Chris’s Dream last year and Monalee in 2017, runs three. Capuccimix, winner of a 2m4f maiden at the course on his only start, Cool Saint, who was vying for the lead when falling at the last in a three-runner event at Thurles last time, and Minella Indo.

Henry de Bromhead won this race last year with Chris's DreamCredit: Alain Barr

Moskovite will be bidding for a hat-trick following wins over 2m4f and 2m, and her trainer and rider Denis Hogan said: “We’re looking forward to her stepping up in trip. She’s in good form and we’re hoping for some black type.”

Another mare with a couple of good efforts to her name is the Colin Bowe-trained Western Victory. She has finished second to My Sister Sarah and Dawn Run Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle favourite Honeysuckle on her last two starts.

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