Mullins earmarks potential Gold Cup duo

Horse Racing
Mullins expects more from Melon

Trainer Willie Mullins believes Bellshill and Al Boum Photo have the potential to run in the Cheltenham Gold Cup this season.

Bellshill has proven himself as a top-class novice hurdler in the past and he rounded off last season in style by winning the Punchestown Gold Cup in April.

Mullins is hopeful the eight-year-old can now build on that triumph this term and he has earmarked him as a potential runner in the Gold Cup at Cheltenham in March.

‘I am very happy with how he has come out of his summer’s rest,’ Mullins was quoted as saying by Sky Sports.

‘He is one that I’m going to try to make a Gold Cup horse out of this year, he’ll go down that route, staying chases.

‘ The Irish trainer also plans to take Al Boum Photo down a similar path following his victory in the Ryanair Novices Chase at Fairyhouse last season.

However, Mullins may consider the six-year-old for the Gold Cup at Leopardstown rather than Cheltenham, although both options remain on the table at this early stage.

‘He improved all year,’ Mullins added.

‘I think I will have to aim him for a Gold Cup, whether it’s in Leopardstown or Cheltenham.

‘That’s the route he will go down, he is a staying chaser, he has lots of ability and is improving all the time.’

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