Racing: Tom Mullins is hoping Asian Maze can bounce back to form and claim a second Baltika Beer Aintree Hurdle.
The eight-year-old mare was in scintillating form 12 months ago when she beat Hardy Eustace by 17 lengths, claiming her second Grade One victory at the track after her success in the Sefton Hurdle as a novice.
But she has struggled to recapture her best this season and Mullins is hoping a bit of sun on her back will help spark a revival.
"We're definitely hoping to run Asian Maze in the Aintree Hurdle again," confirmed Mullins.
"She's great after Cheltenham. We think she's very well and even since the Champion Hurdle she's bucked up considerably.
"I was disappointed with her Cheltenham run - she backed off at the fourth hurdle and then only finished 19 lengths off them - but I just think that the ground all season in Ireland didn't allow us to get her physically or mentally right for that sort of a race.
"She's loving the sunshine at the moment and, with a bit of luck, we'll be hoping for a repeat of last year."