Willie Mullins’ assault on a first British jumps championship has gathered pace with the Irish trainer earmarking a number of his Cheltenham stars for the Grand National meeting.
Bookmakers have shortened Mullins to odds-on to win the title with the news he is bringing a big team to Aintree next week including Champion Hurdle winner Annie Power.
The mare will run in the Aintree Hurdle on the opening day along with Nichols Canyon, while Gold Cup third Don Poli is heading to the Betfred Bowl on the same card.
Ryanair Chase winner Vautour is in line for the Melling Chase 24 hours later, with brilliant Arkle Trophy winner Douvan pencilled in for the Novices’ Chase on National day.
Mullins, who won seven races at Cheltenham, trails Paul Nicholls in the title race by just over STG150,000 ($A283,446).
“We will be bringing a lot of our horses to Aintree, and I just hope we get a bit of rain before then,” Mullins said.
“Annie Power and Nichols Canyon both appear to be in good form and could run in the Aintree Hurdle.
“Vautour may go for the two-and-a-half-mile race and Don Poli over three miles and one. Black Hercules will be entered, Douvan could go there. They have all had it easy since Cheltenham.
“It will be hard to catch Paul Nicholls but we’ll give it a go!”
