WILLIE MULLINS will be represented by the former Kerry National winner Bothar Na in this evening’s feature at Killarney, the €35,000 handicap chase, but the first steps in what could be a momentous winter campaign are already being taken by some of the champion jumps trainer’s star names. Mullins saddled three Cheltenham winners last March, including the Gold Cup hope Cooldine, and the SunAlliance Chae prospect Mikael D’Haguenet, and has the current ante-post favourite for the Champion Hurdle, Hurricane Fly.

“They are all back in and starting back. All they are doing is walking and trotting but next month we will up their exercise and decide when to start work,” he said yesterday.

Testing ground conditions look sure to have a major impact on today’s big race as many of the principals would be much more at home on real summer going. Hill Fairy in contrast will be fine on the surface but concedes plenty in terms of experience and she has far from impressed in two flat starts since being forced to miss the Galway Plate after being found to be in season on the morning of the race. At her best the seven-year-old is handicapped to go very well and maybe a return to fences will spark a return to form.

Tom Mullins could have a fine afternoon as Time Electric looks best treated by the conditions of the novice hurdle and a repeat of Fosters Cross’ best form over hurdles would see him being a major player in the two-mile Beginners Chase.

There is to be a 7.30am precautionary inspection at Killarney today due to an adverse weather forecast last night.