THE switch to Emmet Mullins' yard has rejuvenated FILEY BAY (2.55, nap), who won well on his debut for his new stable last time out, and he looks set to follow up in the Weatherbys Stallion Book Handicap Hurdle at Wincanton on Thursday.
The six-year-old finished third over hurdles both times for previous trainer Declan Wall but cruised to victory for Grand National-winning trainer Mullins over two miles at Doncaster last Saturday.
Always going well, he took the lead approaching the last and soon went clear under Donagh Meyler, going away to win by six lengths from Hurricane Ali by six lengths.
A 7lb penalty should not prevent him following up again.
Biggest dangers are likely to be Shallow River and Trolley Boy but the son of Fame And Glory should have enough in hand under top amateur Patrick Mullins.
At Chelmsford's evening all-weather meeting, MICHAELA'S BOY (nb) should take all the beating on his Polytrack debut in the Illuminate Christmas Ball Nursery (8.30).
The juvenile switched from Richard Hughes's yard to Michael Appleby's in September and, after a couple of placed efforts, he readily landed a six-runner nursery over five furlongs at Newcastle last month.
There he made all and, despite hanging left over a furlong out, he kept on well to win unchallenged.
A follow-up looks on the cards despite an 8lb rise in the weights.
