Mullins double-handed as he seeks eighth Moscow Flyer Hurdle win

2.50 Punchestown
Sky Bet Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle (Grade 2) | 5yo and up | 2m | RTV

Willie Mullins has dominated Punchestown's feature race, sending out seven of the last ten winners, among them subsequent Cheltenham Festival-winning novice hurdlers Mikael D'Haguenet, Vautour and Douvan.

Min in 2016 and Getabird a year ago also landed the prize, and this time Ireland's champion trainer is represented by Harrie and Buildmeupbuttercup as he bids to continue his excellent record in the race.

However, neither horse heads into the latest running of the Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle with anything like the reputation most of the previous Mullins-trained winners had.

The champion trainer is, nonetheless, expecting good performances from both horses.

Ruby Walsh partners Tramore maiden winner Harrie, with Paul Townend on Buildmeupbuttercup, who won a 29-runner maiden at Navan last month on her debut for the yard.

Mullins said: "People might be put off by the fact that the maiden Harrie won was over two miles five furlongs. But I wouldn't read too much into that. It wasn't that we thought he needed a trip, more a case that the race came up and he was ready to run.

"I think dropping to two miles might suit him well, and I'd be more concerned about the good ground than the trip."

Race sponsor Sky Bet had Harrie at 5-2 market leader on Saturday, with his stablemate 7-2 third favourite.

Mullins added: "I was impressed by Buildmeupbuttercup at Navan. She's in good form and should like the ground."

Felix Desjy (left): bids to bounce back to form at PunchestownCredit: Alain Barr

Felix Desjy, a dual bumper winner last season, when he also performed creditably in the Grade 1 bumpers at Cheltenham and Punchestown, has failed to build on his ten-length hurdling debut win at Galway in October.

His trainer Gordon Elliott is also represented by Swordsman, a 12-length winner of a maiden at Fairyhouse on New Year's Day and who on Saturday was Sky Bet's 11-4 second favourite.

Elliott said: "Felix Desjy has been a bit disappointing but he ran quite well when second at Limerick last time and is in good form.

"Swordsman is also in good order, although I'm a bit worried about him dropping down half a mile in trip."

Jetez: winner of a handicap at Leopardstown over ChristmasCredit: Caroline Norris

Jetez, winner of a handicap over this trip at Leopardstown's Christmas meeting, and Jan Maat, who finished sixth in the same race, complete the line-up.

Jessica Harrington, trainer of Jetez, said: "He came out of Leopardstown well. We were delighted with him that day and he's an improving horse.

"This race has been the plan since Christmas, and hopefully he can develop into a top-grade performer. He seems to be going in the right direction."

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