Mullins out to enhance fine run in Grade 2 with Ballycasey

Grade 2 Normans Grove Chase | 2m1f | 5yo+ | ATR

With ten wins to his name, including four at the highest level, Flemenstar would have the winning of this in his pomp. Anthony Curran's wonderful performer is now 12, however, and may have to settle for a supporting role this time as the main protagonists have age on their side and the benefit of a recent run.

No horse comes into the race in better form than Gordon Elliott’s Ball D’Arc. A course and distance winner, the Gigginstown-owned gelding completed a hat-trick when stepped up to 2m4f at Naas in a Grade 3 event last month, his tenth run of the season. He has shown no signs of slowing down and sets the bar pretty high. Elliott also runs The Game Changer, Tell Us More and Realt Mor.

Willie Mullins has won this with Grade 1 winners Twinlight, Arvika Ligeonniere and Golden Silver and pins his hopes on Ballycasey. The Rich Ricci-owned chaser has recorded two Grade 2 wins at Gowran Park over 2m4f this term but has yet to prove as effect over today’s trip.

The field is made up by the Sandra Hughes-trained Nearly Nama’d, while Devils Bride represents Henry de Bromhead.

More Mullins magic?

Willie Mullins has by far the best recent record in this race having won five of the past seven renewals, and six times in all.

What they say

Anthony Curran, trainer of Flemenstar
He's amazing because, while he isn't getting any younger, his ears are pricked every morning you go out to him and he's mad for action. He has his ground and while the others have had runs recently I still think he'll go well. He's been an absolute star for us through the years and I don’t think he's finished yet. We're delighted to have him back out in action and are hoping for the best.

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Ball D'Arc, The Game Changer, Tell Us More and Realt Mor
Ball D'Arc has been flying for us lately having won his last three starts as well as winning over this course and distance and he's still improving. The conditions of the race will suit him well and I'd be disappointed if he doesn't run well again. The Game Changer would want a bit of better ground but he's a classy horse on his day. If we got some prize-money for Tell Us More and Realt Mor it would be great because they look up against it.

Willie Mullins, trainer of Ballycasey
He's been in good form this season and was a good winner of the Red Mills Chase last time. Although he's dropping in trip, I don't see that being a problem to him. While we've always felt testing ground wasn't ideal for him, he has won on it. He's well treated by the race conditions and hopefully he can continue our strong record in the race.

Henry de Bromhead, trainer of Devils Bride
He's in very good form and is coming here fresh and well. The ground might be against him but he's fit and ready to take his chance.

Sandra Hughes, trainer of Nearly Nama'd
He was late coming back in and had a great first run back. He's very ground dependent and will enjoy today’s going, but it’s a very hot race.