Mullins sends Bob for Bartlett battle

The Graham Wylie-owned gelding also holds an entry in the Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle over a shorter distance on Wednesday, but it has been decided to go for the three-mile race on Friday.

Boston Bob is ante-post favourite for the Albert Bartlett thanks to winning his three hurdle races so far in commanding fashion.

Mullins also confirmed he would be represented in the Neptune by Make Your Mark, who was third to Boston Bob at Leopardstown last time, and Sous Les Cieux.

And he is likely to have three runners in the William Hill Supreme Novices' Hurdle - Midnight Game, Simenon and Allure of Illusion.

Mullins also outlined plans for Thursday's Ladbrokes World Hurdle, saying: "I will have four runners -- Mourad, Mikael d'Haguenet, So Young and Thousand Stars."

•Neil Mulholland believes course specialist Midnight Chase has got solid each-way claims in the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup on Friday.

The 10-year-old has come through the chasing ranks with a love of the course that has seen him notch up five victories.

His most notable success was his latest one in the Argento Chase in January that has seen Midnight Chase figure quite prominently in the ante-post market at a top-priced 12-1.

He was fifth in the Gold Cup 12 months ago and Mulholland is now just praying for a clear run over the next few days.

"We are very happy with him at the moment," said the Devon trainer.

"He's in great form. We are hoping for a place and anything else would be a bonus."

•Alan King believes Montbazon, who runs in the opening William Hill Supreme Novices' Hurdle tomorrow, is one of his stable's best hopes of success at the four-day Cheltenham Festival.

The Barbury Castle trainer has a decent team for the meeting and reports his squad to be raring to go.

"Apart from Grumeti having a little hiccup, all our Cheltenham horses had their last major gallop last Wednesday, and nothing is going there in better form than Montbazon," he said.