Rule Supreme gets Paris run

RACING: Willie Mullins will be in Paris tomorrow as he begins the build-up towards a possible third success in next month's French Champion Hurdle.

In the past the Co Carlow trainer has used tomorrow's Prix la Barka as a stepping stone to Auteuil victory for both Nobody Told Me and Rule Supreme. The latter will be in action again under Ruby Walsh and will be joined by his stable companions Homer Wells and Raikkonen.

Rule Supreme, winner of the Hennessy over fences last February and placed in the Stayers Hurdle at Cheltenham afterwards, was third in last year's Barka before coming out on top in the Grande Course de Haies d'Auteuil.

Mullins will still be heavily involved at tomorrow's Listowel fixture if the Kerry course passes a 9am inspection. The track was raceable yesterday but a forecast of more heavy rain resulted in an inspection being called.

If it gets the go-ahead Davenport Milenium and Lady Accord in the bumper can keep the Mullins team rolling at home.

Overall, however, the best bet at Listowel might be Gortinard, who landed a touch over hurdles at the Punchestown festival and who looks a tough enough sort to go close in the Beginners Chase.

No problems are expected at the all-flat card at Gowran where the featured Victor McCalmont Stakes can fall to the John Oxx-trained Hazariya.

On the face of it Hazariya was a disappointment at Naas last time out when beaten in a Group Three by Right Key. However, she was found to be in season afterwards and she looks well worth another chance.

An earlier Group Three win in the Athasi means Hazariya has to concede Adaala 5lb which, strictly on the ratings, looks a hard task. But this race over almost 10 furlongs on soft ground will be a different matter to the Athasi and Hazariya looks a bet to bounce back.

Michael Kinane could have a good day in general as Artist's Muse looks to have a good chance in the three-year-old maiden of going one better than her debut second on firm ground at Naas. The former champion also looks to have a good ride on the course and distance winner Camargue in the nine-furlong handicap.

The form of Duff's course-and-distance success here earlier in the month got a boost at Leopardstown on Wednesday night with the success of Saphire Stone who ran sixth in that race.

An Tadh did best of the rest in second, ahead of Bahrain Storm, and could be up to coping with the challenge of the Ballydoyle hope Amigoni, who should relish the extra distance compared to his debut.

Kieren Fallon again teams up with Charismatic Cat in the seven-furlong handicap and the Aidan O'Brien horse is preferred to Tohama.