Willie Mullins is not making an instant decision about how to split Boston Bob and Back In Focus at the Cheltenham Festival.

Both the stayers are owned by Graham Wylie and they have similar records over fences, with last year's Albert Bartlett runner-up Boston Bob only scraping home in both starts, including in Saturday's Dr PJ Moriarty Novice Chase at Leopardstown.

Back In Focus has shown more in three outings, culminating in a narrow defeat of stablemate Aupcharlie in a Leopardstown Grade One over Christmas.

Mullins said: "Pedigree (of Boston Bob) suggests a longer trip. Back In Focus stays all day. He has the same owner as Boston Bob and they won't go for the same race. Back In Focus could go for either the four-miler or the RSA.

"Boston Bob is in the RSA. He could drop back to the Jewson, but we will see nearer the day. We will try to pick the easiest option for both of them."

The trainer had news of several other stable stars including Quevega, who chases a fifth straight David Nicholson Mares' Hurdle.

Mullins told At The Races: "I'm pleased enough with her. She had a little bit of a cold this week so she had an easy week, but will get back going next week. She's very funny and lets you know the moment anything is wrong."

Mullins sympathised with connections of Darlan, who lost his life at Doncaster last Monday when in the process of becoming a real threat to Hurricane Fly in the betting for the Stan James Champion Hurdle.

He said: "It was a terrible thing what happened to Darlan. Commiserations to everyone. (Hurricane Fly) is in good form and I'm pleased enough with him. He just looks back to himself."

13 May 2013

Fabre confirms Ocovango for Epsom
Aspect on route to big things
Room at the top for Cityscape
Freedom steps into chasing ranks
Lucky thirteen in line for Lockinge
Galway beckons for Swinton hero
Sajjhaa set for late return
Cadeaux thriving in Singapore
Pink primed for Duke Of York
Liber takes aim at Musidora
Battle won for O'Brien
Pretending the real deal
Duntle back to winning ways
Classic glory for Flotilla
Style wins the day in Paris
Highclere double-handed for Dante
Cornerstone plans up in the air
Beckett planning Gesture workout

12 May 2013

No hurry for Jammy plans
Guest in hunt for more Ascot glory
Vow set for Goodwood return
Gold-en boy Anodin in Classic hunt
Buick aiming for French strike
Angel flies home to land Chartwell
Barizan bounces back in style
Queally lights up Ascot meeting
Ektihaam storms to Buckhounds win
Nevis takes depleted Trial contest
Hard-fought battle won at Haydock
Secret impresses in Oaks Trial
Ascot drama for Fanning

11 May 2013

Felix foot-perfect on fencing debut
Cavalryman leads Cup charge
Ramsa ready to stand Trial
Duntle out to dazzle in Amethyst
Swift return doesn't bother Moran
Garman gives Bolger hope
Henderson: Ground vital for Voice
McMahon sweet on Tart Ascot claims
Murphy to move to France
Athos flies to Ormonde glory
Dee day for impressive Magician
Kingdom confirmed for Queen Anne
Secret's out for Lingfield glory
Lambe expects good run from Hall
Marengo ready to do battle
Greatwood on trial at Lingfield
Barizan sneaks into Swinton
Jamesie gunning for Vic-tory

10 May 2013

Telescope focus is on Dante
Blinkers considered for Guarantee#
Bonfire camp bemoan Huxley flop
Moohaajim has six appeal
Ascot welcomes a couple of Guests