Mullins: Improvement to come yet from Anzadam

Willie Mullins is confident there is more to come from Anzadam following his runner-up effort in what was a highly eventful Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle on Saturday.

The five-year-old brought an unbeaten record to a fascinating renewal of the Gosforth Park feature, with former champion Constitution Hill and another up-and-coming star in The New Lion among his rivals.

Despite Constitution Hill crashing out at the second obstacle and The New Lion likewise two from home, Anzadam was unable to take full advantage by reeling in the reigning Champion Hurdle winner Golden Ace, but with just five lifetime starts under his belt Mullins believes there is scope for progress.

“He ran well and I’m sure he’ll improve from it,” said the Closutton handler.

“We might just have a look at different tactics for him. Overall, I was happy enough.

“He travelled well into the race and that’s why I think he will improve. We’d be hoping for a better effort at Christmas.”

Mullins was out of luck in the major races at Fairyhouse on Sunday, but there were plenty of positives to take from the performance of Ballyburn in the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle.

Reverting to the small obstacles after a disappointing end to his novice campaign over fences last season, the seven-year-old charged home from the final flight and only narrowly failed to overhaul Teahupoo, who was winning the Grade One prize for a third time.

Ballyburn is now favourite with most bookmakers for the Stayers’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in March, while Mullins was also pleased with how Mystical Power was running in the same race before he was badly hampered and unseated Mark Walsh after the last hurdle.

He added: “I was very happy with how the two horses ran, the two horses will improve.

“I think we are just building up nicely, and it should leave us right for Christmas.”

This weekend the champion trainer is set to unleash two more of his stable stars in the Hilly Way Chase at Cork, with Majborough and Energumene set to lock horns.

The veteran Energumene has already won the Grade Two prize three times, while Majborough won twice at Grade One level last season and is now set to step out of novice company for the first time.

“Both are in great shape and hopefully we’ll get down there,” Mullins added.

“We’ll possibly have Dinoblue in the mares’ chase as well. It’s building up to a lovely day.”