Willie Mullins© Photo Healy Racing
Champion trainer Willie Mullins has shifted up a gear with his team in recent weeks and introduces some more exciting additions to the yard at Thurles on Thursday.
The Closutton handler has a terrific record with French imports and has sourced another pair of classy looking individuals. As De Ferbet runs in the colours of Gigginstown House Stud in the opening beginners' chase and the four-year-old receives plenty of weight from his elders in the two-and-a-quarter-mile contest.
Bryan Cooper 's mount has already been placed over fences in his homeland and the 12lb he receives from his main rivals looks a major plus. Aerlite Supreme a smart sort over timber, sets a good standard in the race.
He had to play second fiddle when sent off favourite for his chase debut at Limerick last month but that experience will stand to him and his jumping may have benefited from the run.
Mullins already has an abundance of talent in the mares division but he and owner Rich Ricci could have another exciting prospect on his hands in Valyssa Monterg
The five-year-old looks sure to be a warm order in the mares' maiden hurdle having had a perfect three-from-three record on the level in her native land.
The champion trainer has also been very active talent spotting in point-to-points this year and Bellshill is sure to attract plenty of attention in the concluding bumper.
The King's Theatre gelding, who now runs in the colours of Andrea and Graham Wylie, looked a very unlucky loser on his sole start 'between the flags, back in March.
His reputation proceeded him as he went to post a 4-6 shot and everything was going to plan until a bad blunder two from home.
He eventually finished second and the form received a significant boost last weekend when the horse that was third, Bordini, won impressively for Mullins in a Punchestown bumper on Sunday. Bosman Rule is the only other runner on the card for the team.
He needs to improve on a disappointing effort at Cork last time when he lines up in the two-mile-six-furlong novice hurdle.
The progressive Drumacoo who took his maiden hurdle in fine style at Punchestown last month for Michael Hourigan, may prove the one to beat in the five-runner contest.
