Racing: Pedrobob will put his Cheltenham Arkle Challenge Trophy credentials on the line at Leopardstown on January 27th.
Last season's County Hurdle winner is as low as 14-1 for the two-mile novice championship following a stylish win last time.
But trainer Tony Martin admits he is likely to have a better view after he has run in the Baileys Arkle Perpetual Challenge Cup.
"At the moment he goes for the Irish Arkle on the 27th and that will tell us whether we can go any further with him or not," said Mullins.
"That's the plan and if it worked out right, he might go straight to the Arkle at Cheltenham.
"Even though Wins Now fell against us last time, I would say that he is the horse I'd be afraid of in the Arkle.
"I wasn't on course on the day but they tell me he looked a little round and like a horse that would improve.
"In a weak year of two-mile novice chasers, Wins Now would still be the one I'd be afraid of.
"In my view Perce Rock is a very good horse in heavy ground but I can't see the Arkle at Cheltenham being run in heavy ground.
"My lad has won on all types of ground and even though he is 10, he didn't start racing until he was seven. He's certainly our favourite.
"The County Hurdle is as fast a race as you can get and he has also shown stamina before, so we don't have any worries on that score.
"He's only had two runs over fences and if he shows us that he can jump at speed, we'll be heading for Cheltenham whether he wins or not."