Emmet Mullins hopes Corbetts Cross can cope with drop in trip in Ascot Chase

Emmet Mullins is not afraid of targeting Britain's biggest prizes and now has his eyes on the Betfair Ascot Chase with Corbetts Cross on Saturday.

The Grand National-winning handler is no stranger to success on UK soil in both codes and it is always of note when he elects to travel a member of his County Carlow-based string.

Corbetts Cross has enjoyed some of his finest hours when crossing the Irish Sea, winning the National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival before finishing third behind Gerri Colombe when stepping out of novice company in the Aintree Bowl last spring.

Last seen finishing sixth in the King George VI Chase on St Stephen's Day, he has a slight drop in trip to contend with as he attempts to both give his handler a first Grade One success in Britain and rubberstamp his ticket to the Cheltenham Gold Cup next month.

"Everything seems well with him and we've got our fingers crossed for a good run," said Mullins.

"He was a bit disappointing in the King George, but we've regrouped and are ready to go again. The forecast ground might put a bit more pressure on his jumping for a second-season novice, but if he can jump at the pace, he should cope with the drop in trip.

"If we could get a repeat of his Aintree run, I don't think we'll be far away and he seems fit and well."

Another horse who could have an exciting spring on the horizon is L'Homme Presse, who arrives on the back of a thrilling victory in the Cotswold Chase at Cheltenham and has entries for both the Gold Cup and Grand National later in the season.

Venetia Williams' 10-year-old was ahead of Corbetts Cross when third and first home of the British at Kempton and connections are happy to take their chance heading right-handed once again.

"Saturday isn't the