Wednesday 17 December 2014 15:21, UK
Willie Mullins believes Vautour's jumping technique will stand him in good stead as he prepares to make his second appearance over fences at Leopardstown next week.
Last season's runaway Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle hero made a seamless transition to the larger obstacles with a foot-perfect display at Navan last month and will step up to Grade One level for the Racing Post Novice Chase on Boxing Day.
The five-year-old is already towards the forefront of ante-posts lists for both the Arkle Trophy and the JLT Novices' Chase at Cheltenham next March.
"Vautour was very impressive at Navan. It's always spectacular when horses stand off a long way at fences, but they need to be just as good in close and he was," said Mullins.
"In the Supreme it was like he went round on rails and I didn't think he could keep it up, but he did.
"He jumped hurdles nicely and seems to jump fences just as well."
Vautour is one of 13 horses in contention for the Racing Post Novice Chase following the latest forfeit stage, with Mullins also responsible for Fairyhouse winners Valseur Lido and Adriana Des Mottes.
Other possible runners include Noel Meade's Chancol, the Enda Bolger-trained Gilgamboa and Clarcam from Gordon Elliott's yard.
