Annie Power© Photo Healy Racing
Annie Power could tackle the OLBG Mares' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival - if she stays over hurdles this term.
Trainer Willie Mullins and owner Rich Ricci have yet to decide on plans for the six-year-old, who relinquished her unbeaten record when finishing second behind More Of That in the World Hurdle last term.
She bounced back with victory in the Mares Champion Hurdle at the Punchestown Festival and Mullins admits the upgrading of the Cheltenham event makes it an obvious option if Annie Power does not go chasing.
"We've still not made a decision on whether she stays over hurdles or goes over fences, but if she does remain hurdling then the fact that it is now a Grade One would obviously make us think long and hard about her participation," Mullins said.
Should Annie Power head over fences, Mullins would still have a leading contender at Cheltenham as Glens Melody stays in training this term.
The six-year-old chased home stablemate and six-time race winner Quevega last year and is a previous Grade One winner herself.
Mullins said: "Glens Melody stays in training and will attempt to go one better than last season where she ran a tremendous race behind Quevega. She's not ready for a run just yet, but we may well bring her over for one of OLBG's sponsored races in the new year."
Mullins also pointed to another smart mare in his care with Morning Run, winner of three bumpers and a novice hurdle, pleasing him at present
He added: "I'll be keeping her to novice races for the time being, but she really excites me. She's won four out of four already without really being extended."
