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Mullins fires trio at Triumph
Dicosimo
© Photo Healy Racing
Willie Mullins is triple-handed in the JCB Triumph Festival today as he attempts to continue his domination of the Cheltenham Festival.
The champion trainer runs Dicosimo and Kalkir in the Rich Ricci colours and the Gigginstown filly Petite Parisienne who beat Kalkir last time out.
"Petite Parisienne won the Grade One and was very unlucky in her maiden in Punchestown," Mullins told Racing UK.
"We decided then it was best to keep her a novice unless she won a really big race and fortunately enough she did.
"She's very good and will improve from that.
"Kalkir ran disappointing at Christmas. I think he will improve a fair bit from Leopardstown and he hasn't diminished any, in my eyes. I think he's a good horse.
"Dicosimo has had only one run. He jumps well and gallops all day, which will suit the Triumph Hurdle. He goes there with a very good chance.
"To me, all season Kalkir has been the one. I'm not worried if I'm wrong and there's probably not a lot between them, which means Nicky Henderson will probably win with something else!
"Of my three, I wouldn't put people off backing any one of them."
Ricci said of Kalkir: "He was very impressive on his debut and at Christmas time, he'd missed quite a bit of work and we were hoping his class would see him through.
"He had no luck in running, but was beaten fair and square on the day by Jim Bolger's horse (Fiscal Focus). He has a fantastic each-way shout.
"Dicosimo is an interesting one. Of the Irish raiders, he probably has the best form as the horse that he beat (Prussian Eagle) was close to Kalkir and Petite Parisienne. I think he's got a good chance."