Willie Mullins is planning to give last season’s Aintree Grand National winner Hedgehunter his first run of the season in the Hooke & MacDonald Handicap Hurdle at Fairyhouse on Sunday.
The Liverpool showpiece is again the target for the nine-year-old, who may also take in the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup en route.
Like last season, the County Carlow handler wants to give Hedgehunter a couple of spins over timber to prepare him for his chasing engagements.
"It looks like he might have top weight, or just off top weight, which is a bit disappointing but it might be a nice place for him to start," said Mullins.
"He is ready to run and a three-mile hurdle might just be a nice pipe-opener for him for the season."
Hedgehunter is currently available 12/1 to land a National repeat, while 25/1 is his best odds for the Gold Cup.
