Willie Mullins' nephew Emmet is plotting a plan to get the better of Galopin Des Champs in the Cheltenham Gold Cup with Noble Yeats.
The 2022 Aintree Grand National will partake in the Grade 2 Cotswold Chase on Saturday which will be seen as a Litmus test ahead of the Gold Cup in March.
The thoroughbred was in impressive form last time out at Aintree in December when he proved too powerful in the Many Clouds chase to romp home a clear winner.
READ MORE: Sir Gerhard's Cheltenham odds unchanged after debut chase victory
Noble Yeats is one of six declarations for the prestigious Cotswold Chase. Speaking to Paddy Power Emmet said: "It was a nice performance in the Many Clouds Chase which was a good race and a proper Grade 2 and he came through it well.
“I know the Paddy Power Cotswold Chase on Saturday is a Grade 2 again, but it’s probably a step up again definitely.
“He’s had a nice step between runs and seems fresh and well and he should be able to equip himself well on Saturday."
Mullins is reluctant to take on Gold Cup favourite Galopin Des Champs this early in the season instead preferring to delay until conditions suit his horse.
He added: “I’d prefer to have one crack at him in a race potentially suiting our horse better later on in the season.
"If he were to win on Saturday or be there or thereabouts, the Gold Cup is the aim I suppose and it’s everything gearing towards the spring festivals. The Cotswold Chase is a great race to hopefully put him spot on for the big one.
The long-awaited Cheltenham festival begins on March 14.
READ NEXT:
Rory McIlroy speaks out on Patrick Reed tee-throwing incident
Marty Morrissey weighs in on All-Ireland final fallout as he says 'this isn't over yet'
Tyrone GAA hero Kevin Hughes opens up on devastating impact of siblings' road deaths
Cheltenham Festival hero Altior fighting for his life in hospital after severe bout of colic
Henry de Bromhead says Honeysuckle 'seems really good' ahead of Irish Champion Hurdle defence
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
