Mullins has Punchestown option for Thousand Stars
Willie Mullins is considering the next plan of attack for Thousand Stars following his fine effort in defeat in yesterday’s John Smith’s Aintree Hurdle.
The grey arrived on Merseyside on the back of an excellent fourth behind stablemate Hurricane Fly in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, and arguably ran an even better race stepping up to two and a half miles, going down by just a neck to Oscar Whisky.
Mullins must now decide whether to let the seven-year-old reoppose Hurricane Fly in the Rabobank Champion Hurdle at Punchestown next month, or step up to three miles to tackle another stablemate in Quevega in the Ladbrokes World Series Hurdle.
“We were delighted with his run and you’d have to say it was probably right up there with his best ever performances,” said Mullins.
“It was great to see him get the trip so well, as that opens up a lot more options for him.
“I’d imagine he’ll go to Punchestown, but I’m not sure what race he he’ll run in.
“He’ll be entered in the two-miler and the three-miler and we’ll make a decision which one he runs in nearer the time.
“The way he stayed on at Aintree, you’d be inclined to go for the three-mile race, but then the owners have Quevega for that race, so we’ll see.”
