Tom Mullins is looking forward to stepping Princely Conn up in grade in the 'For Auction' Novice Hurdle at Navan.

The five-year-old made an impressive debut over hurdles at Punchestown last month, when carrying the colours of owner JP McManus for the first time.

Mullins has high hopes for the gelding and feels the Grade Three contest is the logical next step for his exciting youngster.

"We think he's well and he was impressive the last day," said the handler.

"The second horse didn't help his chances then by jumping left, but Mark (Walsh) said he won very easy.

"It's another step up and it looks a nice race to make that step up in. The weights suit him and the conditions are right.

"We're happy to go there, take our chance and see if he can step forward."

The trainer's brother Willie saddles what looks to be his main rival in Mckinley with Gigginstown gelding setting the standard with an official rating of 130.

The four-year-old has progressed with racing over jumps and was far from disgraced when fourth in the competitive Lartigue Hurdle on his handicap debut at Listowel.

The Mullins' look to have a strong hand in the race with Mags running the top-weight Mumbo Bay

Like Mckinley, he carries a 4lb penalty for winning two hurdle races and the front-runner will be bidding to follow-up his success in a tactically-run event at Galway recently.