The Carlow handler heads to New York with high hopes, with Castellano set to ride Wicklow Brave, while last month’s Kentucky Derby winner Velasquez will be aboard Carlow Warrior.
Both horses flew over to America last week and seem to have settled well on the outskirts of the Big Apple.
With the weather forecast suggesting the conditions could soften up, Mullins is feeling quietly confident, especially after booking such a classy pair of riders.
“These riders were keen to ride the horses; we took them when they were available,” Mullins said. “It was a plus to get them.
“Clondaw Warrior is seasoned in his travelling at this stage and I’m happy that Wicklow Brave travelled over much better than he did to Melbourne last year.
“At their ages the hosts may not give them much chance but looking at the form of last year’s race, Da Big Hoss won it and Clondaw Warrior was second to him afterwards in the American St Leger, so he must have a chance, as does Wicklow Brave.”
He added: “It’s usually quite firm but a lot of the local talk is the weather gives the Europeans a chance.”
