Patrick Mullins admits he and father Willie are upbeat about Shaneshill’s hopes of going well in Saturday’s Prix La Barka.
The eight-year-old heads to Auteuil looking for a return to form, having been pulled up in the Stayers’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, before managing only 11th in the last month’s Irish equivalent.
However, despite his poor showings, assistant trainer Patrick has been pleased with what he has seen in recent weeks at home.
Mullins Jnr believes the French track could suite his charge and is feeling upbeat about his chances of a result on Saturday.
The assistant trainer said: “Shaneshill is usually quite a consistent horse but he has been below par on his last two runs.
“Nothing has come to light as to why he has been disappointing, but every horse is fully entitled to a couple of bad days at the office.
“His work at home has been good and coming back in trip a little should not inconvenience him as Auteuil is a big, galloping track.
“He seems to be in good health and I think he can bounce back to form. This is being used a prep race for the French Champion Hurdle, which he will go back for if he runs well.”
