Tony Mullins is eyeing stakes company with Howling Wolf after his victory in the median auction maiden at Leopardstown tonight.

The Footstepsinthesand colt shaped with promise on his debut at the Curragh and built on that third-placed effort.

Ronan Whelan was always prominent on the 9/4 favourite and sent him for home over a furlong from home.

He galloped on strongly in the closing stages to hold Ballydoyle newcomer Santiago at bay by half a length.

“He's nice. His full-brother (Howling Ridge) dead-heated here last year and this lad has a much better mind,” said Mullins.

“I'd say he could step up to Listed or maybe even Group class. I think we'll go another step before he might be offered for sale.

“The Golden Fleece on Champions Day here could be an option. It might be a big step but we'll go home and rest on our laurels for a while.

“We might try and hold on to him. He has a very good mind and takes hard training no problem.

“We'll see how he goes with a half eye on that Champions Day race.”

It has been a good day for the Mullins clan with Tony's brothers Willie and Tom both on the mark in Killarney while his nephew Emmet also trained a winner at the Kerry venue.