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SIR DES HAS DURKAN OPTION

http://www.attheraces.com/article.as...=&sub=&day=Wed

Willie Mullins is considering next month's John Durkan Memorial Chase as a starting point for his exciting prospect Sir Des Champs.

The Gigginstown House Stud-owned six-year-old is ante-post favourite for the Cheltenham Gold Cup after going through his novice season unbeaten, winning at the Cheltenham and Punchestown Festivals in the spring.

However, his Gold Cup credentials would be given an early test if Mullins opted to go to Punchestown on December 9 as the hugely talented Flemenstar is heading in that direction too, after making a winning return in Sunday's Fortria Chase.

BUCK'S ENJOYS EXETER SPIN

http://www.attheraces.com/article.as...r+spin&day=Wed

Big Buck's, the winner of four Ladbrokes World Hurdles at the Cheltenham Festival, came through a workout before racing at Exeter with flying colours.

The Paul Nicholls-trained superstar was ridden by his usual partner Ruby Walsh, with Daryl Jacob on work companion Cedre Bleu. They went about two miles and while the early pace was nothing too strenuous, it certainly looked stronger than in many public workouts.