Willie Mullins 'Superstar prospect' Benie Des Dieux puts expectations on the line at Carlisle

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Rich Ricci is looking forward to seeing the 'very, very exciting'  Benie Des Dieux, who takes on just four rivals in Carlisle's Mares' Chase.

Willie Mullins, who won the Ladbroke Trophy with Total Recall yesterday, saddled the six-year-old for her first outing in just under a year.

She forged clear of a good field on her sole chasing start in December, picking up a 30 length win at Limerick for her stable debut.

"She is a lovely mare,” said owner Rich Ricci.

“Her jumping display at Limerick was sensational. She is a mare I am very, very excited about. She could be, in the proverbial way, anything.

"I wouldn't mind her taking on the boys, the girls, whoever it is. I can't wait to see her out. She is something to look forward to."

Despite only one appearance for the Master of Closutton, she is already priced up at just 25-1 for the Ryanair Chase at the Festival. Today she is odds-on for her visit to Cumbria.

Donald McCain's Lastbutnotleast poses a serious threat on her chasing debut. Last seen completing a hat-trick in listed company at Doncaster, she has the profile to become an exciting novice chaser this season.

“She’s in good nick and she’s ready to run,” said the Cheshire-based trainer.

“It’s her first run over fences, so the main aim is to get a clear run over fences. 

"We like her a lot, but it is a tough place to start. She’s won at the track and she will love the ground. Hopefully she can go well as it’s a nice place to start her.”

Noel Fehily goes to Carlisle to ride Tacenda, who broke her maiden for Anthony Honeyball at Fontwell last time out.

Verona Opera and Caraline also take their chance.