Mullins delight at landing star jockeys

believes he has pulled off a coup in booking Javier Castellano and John Velazquez for the Belmont Invitational.

The Carlow handler heads to New with high hopes, with Castellano set to ride , while last month's Kentucky winner Velasquez will be aboard Carlow Warrior.

Both flew over to America last week and seem to have settled well on the outskirts of the Big Apple.

With the weather forecast suggesting the conditions could soften up, is feeling quietly confident, especially after booking such a classy pair of riders.

“These riders were keen to ride the horses; we took them when they were available,” Mullins said. “It was a plus to get them.

“Clondaw Warrior is seasoned in his travelling at this stage and I'm happy that Wicklow Brave travelled over much better than he did to last year.

“At their ages the hosts may not give them much chance but looking at the form of last year's race, Da Big Hoss won it and Clondaw Warrior was second to him afterwards in the , so he must have a chance, as does Wicklow Brave.”

He added: “It's usually quite firm but a lot of the local talk is the weather gives the Europeans a chance.”

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