Willie Mullins has explained why Lossiemouth and not Anzadam runs in Saturday’s Grade 1 Unibet Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown.
The six-year-old Cheltenham Festival Mares’ Hurdle winner has run over 2m4f on her last two runs but is now starting over two miles this weekend instead of tackling the longer trip in the Hatton’s Grace.
Mullins told Sporting Life: “I just want to explain why it’s Lossiemouth taking in the Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown this weekend.
“I think starting her out over this trip will answer a few questions for further into the season including whether it can be a stepping stone to the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton.
“We just need to know about her in two-mile Grade Ones. On form she should win, I think she’ll cope fine with the test but we’ll learn plenty about her at Punchestown.
“Irancy is my other runner and he’s a nice young hurdler, a Grade 1 course and distance winner in the spring, but he might find things difficult giving 7lb to Lossiemouth.
“With Lossiemouth running this weekend Ballyburn will slot into the Hatton’s Grace over 2m4f at Fairyhouse (Sunday November 30) and I’m looking forward to seeing him back over hurdles.
"Anzadam will now be pointed at the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle next weekend."
Tune into Sporting Life on Friday for a full guide from Willie Mullins on his Punchestown team this weekend.
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