Mullins confident Cross can cope with Ascot Chase trip

Emmet Mullins is not afraid of targeting Britain’s biggest prizes and now has his eyes on the Betfair Ascot Chase with Corbetts Cross on Saturday.

The Grand National-winning handler is no stranger to success on UK soil in both codes and it is always of note when he elects to travel a member of his County Carlow-based string.

Corbetts Cross has enjoyed some of his finest hours when crossing the Irish Sea, winning the National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival before finishing third behind Gerri Colombe when stepping out of novice company in the Aintree Bowl last spring.

Last seen finishing sixth in the King George VI Chase on Boxing Day, he has a slight drop in trip to contend with as he attempts to both give his handler a first Grade One success in Britain and rubberstamp his ticket to the Cheltenham Gold Cup next month.

“Everything seems well with him and we’ve got our fingers crossed for a good run,” said Mullins.

“He was a bit disappointing in the King George, but we’ve regrouped and are ready to go again.

“The forecast ground might put a bit more pressure on his jumping for a second-season novice, but if he can jump at the pace, he should cope with the drop in trip.

“If we could get a repeat of his Aintree run, I don’t think we’ll be far away and he seems fit and well.”

Another horse who could have an exciting spring on the horizon is L’Homme Presse, who arrives on the back of a thrilling victory in the Cotswold Chase at Cheltenham and has entries for both the Gold Cup and Grand National later in the season.

Venetia Williams’ 10-year-old was ahead of Corbetts Cross when third and first home of the British at Kempton on Boxing Day and connections are happy to take their chance heading right-handed once again.

“Saturday isn’t the be-all and end-all, but we’ve got to try to take the opportunities when they arise,” said Pam Sharman, who owns the horse alongside her brother Ray Sharman, Andy Edwards and Peter and Patricia Pink.

“We’re taking our chance right-handed again, but he seemed OK at Kempton in the King George and we’ll see what Saturday brings. Venetia is really happy with him and she has done this millions of times and knows what she is doing.”

L’Homme Presse was sent off the 5-4 favourite for this race 12 months ago when ultimately no match for an in-form Pic d’Orhy, who was given a fine front-running ride by Harry Cobden.

Although connections are respectful of Paul Nicholls’ defending champion once again, they are hopeful L’Homme Presse can correct the record.

Sharman added: “He will cope with the trip, that won’t be a problem, but we’re a bit disappointed about the ground and realistically it is drying up quite a lot. I think we will take our chance, but safety is always paramount.

“He is taking on Pic d’Orhy again and he loves it round there. I think the ground might be perfect for him.

“Whether that first run of the season in the Fleur De Lys last season took more out of him than we thought, I don’t know. But he didn’t seem to be on his ‘A game’ in this race last year for some reason. We’re going to have another go and see what happens.”

Meanwhile, the aforementioned Pic d’Orhy has the chance to enhance his stellar Ascot record having registered his third course-and-distance victory when last seen in November.

He also has the opportunity to provide his handler with a first Grade One of the season and a first win at the highest level since claiming this race last term.

Nicholls told Betfair: “He’s in really good shape and I think by not running at Windsor (last month), it’s probably a positive in that he didn’t have a hard race. He’s nice and fresh, he had a little breeze on Friday morning and looks great – I’m looking forward to it.

“It’s a home game for him in a lot of ways.”

There is another Irish raider in the field in the form of Willie Mullins’ Blue Lord, while Gary and Josh Moore’s Le Patron and Dan Skelton’s Flegmatik complete the line-up.