Mullins camp so sweet on lightly raced mare Limini

Confidence is high in the Willie Mullins camp that lightly raced mare Limini can prove up to defeating the boys on her first venture into Grade One company in the Top Novices' Hurdle after posting an authoritative success against her own sex in the Dawn Run Mares' Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham last month.

Patrick Mullins, assistant to his father, said: "We made no secret to how well she worked ahead of Cheltenham and we think she could be a Royal Ascot type for the Flat.The race has cut up a bit with no Min or Altior in there and we are expecting a big run from her as she didn't have the hardest race at Cheltenham.

“Going into Cheltenham, on the way she worked at home we would have been surprised if another novice mare could have lived with her. I don’t think the flatter track or drop down in trip will be a problem.

“Obviously she is taking on the geldings which is a different kettle of fish and that will tell us where she is, but hopefully she is up to the task.”

Ryan Hatch is hoping Blaklion can deliver another Grade One success in the Betfred Mildmay Novices' Chase at Aintree.

After staying on in tenacious fashion to land the RSA Chase at last month’s Cheltenham Festival for his inaugural victory at the top table, Hatch is optimistic he can follow it up and give trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies his first winner in the race.

Hatch said: “He’s in great form. All being well he’ll run a massive race again.”