Willie Mullins is confident there is more to come from Anzadam after finishing second in what was a very eventful Fighting Fifth Hurdle in Newcastle on Saturday.
The five-year-old brought an unbeaten record with a fascinating renewal of the Gosforth Park film, with former champion Constitution Hill and another rising star in The New Lion among his rivals.
Despite Constitution Hill crashing at the second hurdle and The New Lion also two from home, Anzadam could not take full advantage by landing reigning Champion Hurdle winner Golden Ace, but with just five lifetime starts to his name Mullins believes there is room for progress.
“He ran well and I’m sure he will improve because of this,” said the Closutton handler.
“Maybe we could look at a different tactic for him. Overall, I was happy enough.”
“He traveled well in the race and that’s why I think he will improve. We hope for a better performance at Christmas.”
Mullins was unlucky in the big races at Fairyhouse on Sunday, but there were plenty of positives to take from Ballyburn’s performance in the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle.
Returning to the small obstacles after a disappointing end to his novice campaign over fences last season, the seven-year-old stormed home from the final flight and narrowly managed to beat Teahupoo, who won the Grade One prize for the third time.
Ballyburn is now favorite with most bookmakers for the Stayers’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in March, while Mullins was also pleased with the way Mystical Power ran in the same race before being badly hampered and leaving Mark Walsh unseated after the final hurdle.
He added: “I was very happy with how the two horses ran, the two horses will improve.
“I think we’re just building up well, and that should do us well for Christmas.”
This weekend the champion trainer will unleash two more of his stable stars in the Hilly Way Chase in Cork, with Majborough and Energumene set to lock horns.
Veteran Energumene has already won the Grade Two prize three times, while Majborough won twice at Grade One level last season and now joins the new company for the first time.
“Both are in great form and hopefully we can get there,” Mullins added.
“We may also have Dinoblue chasing the mares. It will be a beautiful day.”
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