Ballycasey can give Willie Mullins initial advantage at Gowran

The reverberations from Willie Mullins’s split with Michael O’Leary are set to be a recurring theme as the jumps season gets into full swing but this weekend at least it could prove “Advantage Mullins” with a Grade Two double for the champion trainer.

Ballycasey is Mullins's hope for Saturday's PWC Champion Chase at Gowran where a combination of quick going and two and a half miles could be ideal for the back to form grey.

Road To Riches leads a Gigginstown Stud trio in this €45,000 event with Ballycasey's former stable-mate, Devil's Bride, having a first spin for Henry De Bromhead since his switch during the week.

The Game Changer is O'Leary's other declaration and that horse is also declared for Sunday's Grade Two Istabraq Hurdle, a race for which Mullins looks to hold claims with Ivan Grozny although Hargam comes out best on official figures.

One notable figure not in action this weekend will be Davy Russell. The former champion jockey gave up his rides on Friday after being reported to be unwell. Mark Walsh takes over from Russell on Top Of The Town in the handicap hurdle at Gowran but quick going could aid Rise Of An Empire.