Dual Melbourne Cup placegetter Max Dynamite will return to Flat racing in the Yorkshire Cup after two below-par performances over hurdles.
The Willie Mullins-trained eight-year-old was an impressive winner of the Lonsdale Cup at York in 2015.
He went on to finish a half-length second in the Melbourne Cup later that year and ran third in the Flemington showpiece last November.
Since finishing sixth in the Hong Kong Vase the following month, the Rich Ricci-owned Max Dynamite has been well-beaten in the Coral Cup at Cheltenham and at Punchestown three weeks ago.
“Max Dynamite has been a bit disappointing over hurdles, but he’s probably just not in love with them and he also wants proper fast ground,” Patrick Mullins, assistant to his father, said:.
“It looks like conditions at York will play to his strengths and hopefully he’ll bounce back to form.”
Max Dynamite will be partnered by Ryan Moore in the one-mile-six-furlong (2800m) feature on Friday (Saturday AEST).
Mullins has a second string to his bow in Wicklow Brave, the mount of Andrea Atzeni.
The 2016 Irish St Leger winner also changes codes after finishing second to Supasundae in his attempt to defend his crown in the Punchestown Champion Hurdle.
“With Wicklow, a lot depends what side of the bed he gets out of,” Mullins said.
“He’s not getting any younger, but he retains plenty of ability and hopefully he’ll continue to pay his way.”
Wicklow Brave has run in the past two Melbourne Cups, finishing 22nd in 2016 and 10th last year.
