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Mullins Horses 2014-15
- Thread starter Old Vic
- Start date
Shouldnt give a toss but getting pissed off by all these pricks on Twitter and Betfair carving up the novice chases between Willie Mullins and Nicholls horses. LIKE THEY ALWAYS DO.
It's like will the Gigginstown Willie horse win or the Ricci horse win.
It's like will the Gigginstown Willie horse win or the Ricci horse win.
Last edited:
I like him on chasers too - was brilliant on RtR in the Lexus. Important for y job he is in. The Olearys hurdlers as just chasers in progress.
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Ruby
Ruby’s Best Bets
Nap: Potters Point 4.10 Naas
Each-Way Double: Dogora 2.20 Leopardstown
Clondaw Warrior 2.50 Leopardstown
I head to Ascot today for just one ride, Twinlight, in the 3.00, where we will cross swords with the mighty Sprinter Sacre.
It is hardly the busiest of days, although it is set to start quite early with an appearance on Channel 4’s Morning Line, alongside one AP McCoy.
To be on time for the assignnment, I flew out of Dublin last night into Heathrow, hardly a new experience.
Heading to Ascot, rather than staying at home at Naas, was an easy enough decision. The Ascot contest is the biggest race of the day, a Grade 1, and it’s not as if I’m leaving behind a couple of 4-7 shots!
Anyway, Ascot completely revolves around Sprinter Sacre, a quite brilliant horse on his day. But he will, obviously, arrive under a bit of a cloud and following an absence of 386 days.
Twinlight will handle the soft ground and I just hope the same horse that was so impressive for Paul Townend at Leopardstown at Christmas shows up now. That isn’t always the case and he has thrown in the odd poor effort in the past.
Dodging Bullets wears a tongue tie, so you would think that the soft surface might not prove ideal for him. Somersby is not getting any younger, while it is hard to make a case for Grey Gold.
That brings us back to Sprinter Sacre and if he brings his A-game then we will all be running for places.
An on-song Twinlight is well capable of delivering, but the vibes are good about Sprinter Sacre, having spoken to Barry Geraghty at Fairyhouse last Sunday.
Willie Mullins runs three horses at Naas and they all have a real life, beginning with Glens Melody in a Grade 3 hurdle.
She is flying at home right now and seems to have improved plenty for her good run behind Lieutenant Colonel at Leopardstown.
But this is an intriguing heat and I’m not sure if she will be good enough to beat Edward O’Grady’s Kitten Rock.
I rode him to win at Naas two runs back and really liked the horse. For once, I’m going to sit on the fence when it comes to this battle.
Val De Ferbet is next up for Willie in a Grade 2 novice chase. I rode him when he made a winning debut over fences at Fairyhouse.
This is altogether a different test, but he did jump like an old hand then and will tell us a lot more about him than we know now.
Willie’s final runner is Potters Point in the bumper and I think he will win. Second in his only point-to-point, he is a fine big horse, who goes particularly well.
I am back in Ireland tomorrow, at Leopardstown, and kick away on a horse called Salsa Sensation for my dad in a maiden hurdle.
I know he won a point-to-point, but, quite honestly, that is very much the limit of my knowlege regarding the six-year-old.
After that it is down to real business and a date with one of my favourite horses, Vautour, in a Grade 2 novice chase.
The world and its mother knows that he ran a shocker at Leopardstown and, if there is an explanation for that effort, then I don’t know what it is.
What I do know is I sat on Vautour during the week and he is bombing. He never turned up the last day, but I’m especially looking forward to getting him right back on track.
I’m on Dogora in a valuable and very competitive handicap chase and am expecting a big run. I’m aware his recent form figures don’t make great reading, but he did jump beautifully in the Paddy Power at Leopardstown, until falling.
Of course, it is difficult to be confident in a race of this nature, but I believe there is a big pot in Dogora.
If that race has an open appearance then it is nothing compared to the 25-runner Boylesports Handicap Hurdle. If I had a choice between Lucky Bridle and Clondaw Warrior and went with the latter, after the weights were raised.
It will be my first time riding Clondaw Warrior in public and he is, of course, part-owned by my wife, Gillian. A horse with plenty of ability, and a winner of the November Handicap on the flat around here, he disappointed us in the Ladbroke at Ascot last time, so we are hoping for much better this time.
Tony Martin has called on me for Mydor in a handicap hurdle and, despite going up 8lbs for winning at Fairyhouse on New Year’s Day, he gets in with a nice weight.
Willie runs his first four-year-old of the season, Balko Des Flos, in the bumper. Balko shapes more like a stayer than a speed horse and it will be interesting to see how he goes.
Ruby’s Comment: True lovers of the National Hunt game
I take my hat off to those who were at Thurles on Thursday. I exclude us jockeys, we were paid to be there. It was as cold and miserable a day as I have ever been out and those punters who turned up have to be regarded as true lovers of the National Hunt game.
Ruby’s Best Bets
Nap: Potters Point 4.10 Naas
Each-Way Double: Dogora 2.20 Leopardstown
Clondaw Warrior 2.50 Leopardstown
I head to Ascot today for just one ride, Twinlight, in the 3.00, where we will cross swords with the mighty Sprinter Sacre.
It is hardly the busiest of days, although it is set to start quite early with an appearance on Channel 4’s Morning Line, alongside one AP McCoy.
To be on time for the assignnment, I flew out of Dublin last night into Heathrow, hardly a new experience.
Heading to Ascot, rather than staying at home at Naas, was an easy enough decision. The Ascot contest is the biggest race of the day, a Grade 1, and it’s not as if I’m leaving behind a couple of 4-7 shots!
Anyway, Ascot completely revolves around Sprinter Sacre, a quite brilliant horse on his day. But he will, obviously, arrive under a bit of a cloud and following an absence of 386 days.
Twinlight will handle the soft ground and I just hope the same horse that was so impressive for Paul Townend at Leopardstown at Christmas shows up now. That isn’t always the case and he has thrown in the odd poor effort in the past.
Dodging Bullets wears a tongue tie, so you would think that the soft surface might not prove ideal for him. Somersby is not getting any younger, while it is hard to make a case for Grey Gold.
That brings us back to Sprinter Sacre and if he brings his A-game then we will all be running for places.
An on-song Twinlight is well capable of delivering, but the vibes are good about Sprinter Sacre, having spoken to Barry Geraghty at Fairyhouse last Sunday.
Willie Mullins runs three horses at Naas and they all have a real life, beginning with Glens Melody in a Grade 3 hurdle.
She is flying at home right now and seems to have improved plenty for her good run behind Lieutenant Colonel at Leopardstown.
But this is an intriguing heat and I’m not sure if she will be good enough to beat Edward O’Grady’s Kitten Rock.
I rode him to win at Naas two runs back and really liked the horse. For once, I’m going to sit on the fence when it comes to this battle.
Val De Ferbet is next up for Willie in a Grade 2 novice chase. I rode him when he made a winning debut over fences at Fairyhouse.
This is altogether a different test, but he did jump like an old hand then and will tell us a lot more about him than we know now.
Willie’s final runner is Potters Point in the bumper and I think he will win. Second in his only point-to-point, he is a fine big horse, who goes particularly well.
I am back in Ireland tomorrow, at Leopardstown, and kick away on a horse called Salsa Sensation for my dad in a maiden hurdle.
I know he won a point-to-point, but, quite honestly, that is very much the limit of my knowlege regarding the six-year-old.
After that it is down to real business and a date with one of my favourite horses, Vautour, in a Grade 2 novice chase.
The world and its mother knows that he ran a shocker at Leopardstown and, if there is an explanation for that effort, then I don’t know what it is.
What I do know is I sat on Vautour during the week and he is bombing. He never turned up the last day, but I’m especially looking forward to getting him right back on track.
I’m on Dogora in a valuable and very competitive handicap chase and am expecting a big run. I’m aware his recent form figures don’t make great reading, but he did jump beautifully in the Paddy Power at Leopardstown, until falling.
Of course, it is difficult to be confident in a race of this nature, but I believe there is a big pot in Dogora.
If that race has an open appearance then it is nothing compared to the 25-runner Boylesports Handicap Hurdle. If I had a choice between Lucky Bridle and Clondaw Warrior and went with the latter, after the weights were raised.
It will be my first time riding Clondaw Warrior in public and he is, of course, part-owned by my wife, Gillian. A horse with plenty of ability, and a winner of the November Handicap on the flat around here, he disappointed us in the Ladbroke at Ascot last time, so we are hoping for much better this time.
Tony Martin has called on me for Mydor in a handicap hurdle and, despite going up 8lbs for winning at Fairyhouse on New Year’s Day, he gets in with a nice weight.
Willie runs his first four-year-old of the season, Balko Des Flos, in the bumper. Balko shapes more like a stayer than a speed horse and it will be interesting to see how he goes.
Ruby’s Comment: True lovers of the National Hunt game
I take my hat off to those who were at Thurles on Thursday. I exclude us jockeys, we were paid to be there. It was as cold and miserable a day as I have ever been out and those punters who turned up have to be regarded as true lovers of the National Hunt game.
mayo
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Mullins website
Twinlight (Ruby) goes for the 2m 1f Grade 1 Chase. He disappointed us at Cork and then surprised us when winning at Leopardstowm. We trieddifferent riding tactics at Leopardstown and maybe that is the key to himas he gets older. He will love the ground and the small field and if the old Sprinter Sacre doesn’t turn up today we must have an excellent chance.
Glens Melody (David Casey) runs in the Limestone Lad Hurdle over 2m 3f. She ran a great race over 3 miles at Leopardstown at Christmas butthat trip was probably too much for her. We think she will be better suited by this trip and her homework has been good lately. She has a great chance here.
Val de Ferbet (Danny Mullins) goes for the 3 mile Grade 2 Novice Chase. We were delighted with his win at Fairyhouse last time where he jumpedefficiently. We think he will go close here even though this is a big stepup in class and he lacks experience.
Potters Point (Patrick) has his firstrun for us in the bumper. He is a fine big Robin Des Champs horse who wassecond in his only run in a point to point. He had an early season setbackbut he is over that now. He does good work at home and should go very wellhere.
Twinlight (Ruby) goes for the 2m 1f Grade 1 Chase. He disappointed us at Cork and then surprised us when winning at Leopardstowm. We trieddifferent riding tactics at Leopardstown and maybe that is the key to himas he gets older. He will love the ground and the small field and if the old Sprinter Sacre doesn’t turn up today we must have an excellent chance.
Glens Melody (David Casey) runs in the Limestone Lad Hurdle over 2m 3f. She ran a great race over 3 miles at Leopardstown at Christmas butthat trip was probably too much for her. We think she will be better suited by this trip and her homework has been good lately. She has a great chance here.
Val de Ferbet (Danny Mullins) goes for the 3 mile Grade 2 Novice Chase. We were delighted with his win at Fairyhouse last time where he jumpedefficiently. We think he will go close here even though this is a big stepup in class and he lacks experience.
Potters Point (Patrick) has his firstrun for us in the bumper. He is a fine big Robin Des Champs horse who wassecond in his only run in a point to point. He had an early season setbackbut he is over that now. He does good work at home and should go very wellhere.
mayo
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Vautour (Ruby) runs in the 2m 3f novice chase. We are preparedto forgive him for his poor run here over Christmas as he is working well at home since. He seemed to have a little muscle problem and wasn’t moving properly. We are expecting him to show his true ability today.
Dogora (Ruby)goes for the Grade A Handicap Chase. He fell here last time but it was tooearly in the race to say how he would have done. We think he has the ability to win a race like this and maybe he will repay our confidence in him today. We have two in the Boylesports Handicap Hurdle over 2 miles.
Clondaw Warrior (Ruby) is in good form and has a lovely racing weight. The worry isthe ground as he doesn’t seem to be as effective in testing conditions.
We have a newcomer called Balko Des Flos (Patrick) in the 4YO bumper. He is anice type and he works well at home. It is difficult to know what he is upagainst here but, if it turns out to be an ordinary race, he might keep up the good recent run of our bumpers
Dogora (Ruby)goes for the Grade A Handicap Chase. He fell here last time but it was tooearly in the race to say how he would have done. We think he has the ability to win a race like this and maybe he will repay our confidence in him today. We have two in the Boylesports Handicap Hurdle over 2 miles.
Clondaw Warrior (Ruby) is in good form and has a lovely racing weight. The worry isthe ground as he doesn’t seem to be as effective in testing conditions.
We have a newcomer called Balko Des Flos (Patrick) in the 4YO bumper. He is anice type and he works well at home. It is difficult to know what he is upagainst here but, if it turns out to be an ordinary race, he might keep up the good recent run of our bumpers
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You have to go all the way back to 2006 to see an 0 by the win count at a Cheltenham Festival for Willie Mullins.
Since then, the nine-time Irish Champion Trainer has saddled 25 winners at Prestbury Park’s March showdown.
So, it is no surprise that for this year’s meeting, the king of Closutton is responsible for eight of the current ante post Cheltenham Festival favourites, with the vast majority of prominent contenders also residing at Mullins’ County Carlow yard.
Of the likely contestants, it is four stable stars that could prove to be ‘Irish Banker’ material for Cheltenham. Four results that would put to bed the chances of the British getting their hands on the Festival Top Trainer title.
Dubbed the machine, Faugheen has shown the credentials, thus far, of being a serious Champion Hurdle contender.
The Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle winner is undefeated in eight races with an aggregate winning distance of nine and a quarter lengths. Not bad, don’t you think?
However, it is the manor of Faugheen’s successes that has astonished racing fans.
Obliterating his rivals with consummate ease, the seven-year-old claimed a taking three and a half length win in the Coral Hurdle at Ascot on his seasonal reappearance, before effectively trotting to a nine-length triumph in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton Park on Boxing Day.
If Faugheen is to be beaten - The New One, Jezki and Hurricane Fly will have to be at their brilliant best.
Another of Mullins’ quartet is the runaway chaser Un De Sceaux.
Most effective over two miles, the seven-year-old has taken to fences like the proverbial duck to water – despite falling on debut.
With three fences to go, and in a different parish to his rivals, Un De Sceaux took a tumble that lost him his unblemished racing record.
Though, a return to the racetrack at Fairyhouse ensured that we saw the real seven-year-old in action.
With a technique resembling a stag on a space hopper, Un De Sceaux demonstrated an effortlessly impressive round of jumping that helped him pull clear by 12 lengths of his nearest rival.
All roads now lead to the Arkle at the Cheltenham Festival.
Un De Sceaux’s likely destination means that Supreme Novices’ Hurdle winner Vautour looks likely to run in the JLT Novices’ Chase.
With flexibility in the distance he runs at, the slightly further Grade 1 contest will appeal more than running against his stable mate.
Held in the highest regard, Vautour was breathtaking on his seasonal debut, beating the subsequent Grade 1 winner Clarcam by eight lengths. But, he was unable to reaffirm this display on his second start of the season when beaten at Leopardstown on Boxing Day in testing conditions.
Despite making a big mistake at the fifth from last fence, the star was unable to rally back and was a distant second to the previously beaten Clarcam.
Although allegedly not at his best, it is likely that Vautour will next take in the Frank Ward Solicitors Arkle Novice Chase, before potentially going up in trip for the Festival.
Having won the Grade 1 Champion Novice Hurdle at the Punchestown Festival last year, the distance will be to his liking and it is where we are expected to see him excel again at the Festival.
The final member of the four is everyone’s favourite mare – Annie Power.
Despite suffering an injury at the start of the campaign, the World Hurdle runner-up is still expected to make it in time for the Cheltenham Festival.
With the newly-promoted Grade 1 Mares’ Hurdle at Cheltenham expected to be her destination, providing she turns up fit and well, she really does look unbeatable.
Only beaten by More of That in her career last year and with the Queen of Cheltenham, Quevega, now retired, Annie Power looks set for stardom.
Accumulatively, as of January 2015, you can back these four at odds of 93/1.
Come Friday 13 March in the evening, Mullins’ magical foursome could turn out to be the bet of the year!
- See more at: http://www.lovetheraces.com/features/mullins-magical-quartet/#sthash.jpgDrW0t.dpuf
Since then, the nine-time Irish Champion Trainer has saddled 25 winners at Prestbury Park’s March showdown.
So, it is no surprise that for this year’s meeting, the king of Closutton is responsible for eight of the current ante post Cheltenham Festival favourites, with the vast majority of prominent contenders also residing at Mullins’ County Carlow yard.
Of the likely contestants, it is four stable stars that could prove to be ‘Irish Banker’ material for Cheltenham. Four results that would put to bed the chances of the British getting their hands on the Festival Top Trainer title.
Dubbed the machine, Faugheen has shown the credentials, thus far, of being a serious Champion Hurdle contender.
The Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle winner is undefeated in eight races with an aggregate winning distance of nine and a quarter lengths. Not bad, don’t you think?
However, it is the manor of Faugheen’s successes that has astonished racing fans.
Obliterating his rivals with consummate ease, the seven-year-old claimed a taking three and a half length win in the Coral Hurdle at Ascot on his seasonal reappearance, before effectively trotting to a nine-length triumph in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton Park on Boxing Day.
If Faugheen is to be beaten - The New One, Jezki and Hurricane Fly will have to be at their brilliant best.
Another of Mullins’ quartet is the runaway chaser Un De Sceaux.
Most effective over two miles, the seven-year-old has taken to fences like the proverbial duck to water – despite falling on debut.
With three fences to go, and in a different parish to his rivals, Un De Sceaux took a tumble that lost him his unblemished racing record.
Though, a return to the racetrack at Fairyhouse ensured that we saw the real seven-year-old in action.
With a technique resembling a stag on a space hopper, Un De Sceaux demonstrated an effortlessly impressive round of jumping that helped him pull clear by 12 lengths of his nearest rival.
All roads now lead to the Arkle at the Cheltenham Festival.
Un De Sceaux’s likely destination means that Supreme Novices’ Hurdle winner Vautour looks likely to run in the JLT Novices’ Chase.
With flexibility in the distance he runs at, the slightly further Grade 1 contest will appeal more than running against his stable mate.
Held in the highest regard, Vautour was breathtaking on his seasonal debut, beating the subsequent Grade 1 winner Clarcam by eight lengths. But, he was unable to reaffirm this display on his second start of the season when beaten at Leopardstown on Boxing Day in testing conditions.
Despite making a big mistake at the fifth from last fence, the star was unable to rally back and was a distant second to the previously beaten Clarcam.
Although allegedly not at his best, it is likely that Vautour will next take in the Frank Ward Solicitors Arkle Novice Chase, before potentially going up in trip for the Festival.
Having won the Grade 1 Champion Novice Hurdle at the Punchestown Festival last year, the distance will be to his liking and it is where we are expected to see him excel again at the Festival.
The final member of the four is everyone’s favourite mare – Annie Power.
Despite suffering an injury at the start of the campaign, the World Hurdle runner-up is still expected to make it in time for the Cheltenham Festival.
With the newly-promoted Grade 1 Mares’ Hurdle at Cheltenham expected to be her destination, providing she turns up fit and well, she really does look unbeatable.
Only beaten by More of That in her career last year and with the Queen of Cheltenham, Quevega, now retired, Annie Power looks set for stardom.
Accumulatively, as of January 2015, you can back these four at odds of 93/1.
Come Friday 13 March in the evening, Mullins’ magical foursome could turn out to be the bet of the year!
- See more at: http://www.lovetheraces.com/features/mullins-magical-quartet/#sthash.jpgDrW0t.dpuf
Mayo have you given up on his daily reports ?
I think they are good but you have to try and read between the lines.
Gowran Runners
We have three runners in the 4Yo hurdle over 2 miles. Dicosimo(Ruby) is having his first run for us but won a hurdle race at Auteuil lastOctober. He is more a chasing type than a hurdler but if he handles the Irish-style hurdles he should go very well. Tarabiyn (David Casey) and Verawal (Paul) will have to show improvement but hopefully they will at least geta share of the place money.
Royal Caviar (Ruby) goes for the 2 mile maidenhurdle. He may have been a bit unlucky when second on his hurdling debut over 2m 4f at Leopardstown over Christmas. We may ride him differently hereand with the shorter trip today he should give a very account of himself.
We have two in the Grade 2 Galmoy Hurdle over 3 miles where Monksland looksvery treated on ratings. Briar Hill (Ruby) was having his first run back atLeopardstown and we expect him to show considerable improvement here. Zaidpour (Paul) is a course and distance winner and will love these conditions.He disappointed last time but we are blaming that run on the fact that hewore blinkers. We are trying cheekpieces today and hopefully that will enable him to get into the frame.
Djakadam (Ruby) has to give weight away all-round in the Thyestes Handicap Chase over 3m 1f but it is not unknown for top-weights to win this race. It is a tough task but we think he is very well treated by the handicapper and must have a great each-way chance.
Upsie (Mark Walsh) runs in the 2m 2f beginners chase. She was second on her chasing debut at Limerick and the form of the race has been franked since. It isa tough task against Smashing but we think our mare has improved since Limerick.
We have two runners in the winners’ bumper. Stone Hard (Patrick) wonnicely at Fairyhouse and we are hoping for another good run here. Rio Treasure (Aubrey McMahon) ran really well when third in a listed bumper at Ascotlast time but she is more a summer type and whether she will handle theseconditions is open to question.
I think they are good but you have to try and read between the lines.
Gowran Runners
We have three runners in the 4Yo hurdle over 2 miles. Dicosimo(Ruby) is having his first run for us but won a hurdle race at Auteuil lastOctober. He is more a chasing type than a hurdler but if he handles the Irish-style hurdles he should go very well. Tarabiyn (David Casey) and Verawal (Paul) will have to show improvement but hopefully they will at least geta share of the place money.
Royal Caviar (Ruby) goes for the 2 mile maidenhurdle. He may have been a bit unlucky when second on his hurdling debut over 2m 4f at Leopardstown over Christmas. We may ride him differently hereand with the shorter trip today he should give a very account of himself.
We have two in the Grade 2 Galmoy Hurdle over 3 miles where Monksland looksvery treated on ratings. Briar Hill (Ruby) was having his first run back atLeopardstown and we expect him to show considerable improvement here. Zaidpour (Paul) is a course and distance winner and will love these conditions.He disappointed last time but we are blaming that run on the fact that hewore blinkers. We are trying cheekpieces today and hopefully that will enable him to get into the frame.
Djakadam (Ruby) has to give weight away all-round in the Thyestes Handicap Chase over 3m 1f but it is not unknown for top-weights to win this race. It is a tough task but we think he is very well treated by the handicapper and must have a great each-way chance.
Upsie (Mark Walsh) runs in the 2m 2f beginners chase. She was second on her chasing debut at Limerick and the form of the race has been franked since. It isa tough task against Smashing but we think our mare has improved since Limerick.
We have two runners in the winners’ bumper. Stone Hard (Patrick) wonnicely at Fairyhouse and we are hoping for another good run here. Rio Treasure (Aubrey McMahon) ran really well when third in a listed bumper at Ascotlast time but she is more a summer type and whether she will handle theseconditions is open to question.
mayo
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Un De Sceaux (Ruby) runs in the Grade 1 Novice Chase over 2m 1f. He has done very little wrong since joining us and has his own style of running. This should be a very exciting race to watch even though there areonly three runners. Our fellow is in great form and hopefully he will showoff his exuberant style of jumping.
We have two runners in the 2 mile IrishChampion Hurdle. Hurricane Fly (Ruby) has done nothing wrong this year andhopefully he will keep his unbeaten record around here intact. It should be another cracker between himself and Jezki. Arctic Fire (Paul) put up a fantastic performance last time and we will be very pleased if he can do thesame again today.
We are running three in the Grade 2 Novice Hurdle over 2m4f. Killultagh Vic (Ruby) ran a cracker at Ascot last time and the form has been advertised since. The trip will suit and he will love the ground. Hemust have a real good chance. Outlander (Paul) was a little disappointingat Limerick so we are bringing him back in trip here to see if he can regain winning form. Net D’Ecosse (Danny Mullins) is a nice type that we boughtto go chasing but we will keep him to hurdles this season. We will have a fair idea how good he is after today.
Newcomer Fugi Mountain (Patrick) goesfor the bumper. He is a half-brother to Blackstairsmountain and should handle this ground. It looks like it could be a hot race but this fellow goes well enough at home to be competitive here.
We have two runners in the 2 mile IrishChampion Hurdle. Hurricane Fly (Ruby) has done nothing wrong this year andhopefully he will keep his unbeaten record around here intact. It should be another cracker between himself and Jezki. Arctic Fire (Paul) put up a fantastic performance last time and we will be very pleased if he can do thesame again today.
We are running three in the Grade 2 Novice Hurdle over 2m4f. Killultagh Vic (Ruby) ran a cracker at Ascot last time and the form has been advertised since. The trip will suit and he will love the ground. Hemust have a real good chance. Outlander (Paul) was a little disappointingat Limerick so we are bringing him back in trip here to see if he can regain winning form. Net D’Ecosse (Danny Mullins) is a nice type that we boughtto go chasing but we will keep him to hurdles this season. We will have a fair idea how good he is after today.
Newcomer Fugi Mountain (Patrick) goesfor the bumper. He is a half-brother to Blackstairsmountain and should handle this ground. It looks like it could be a hot race but this fellow goes well enough at home to be competitive here.
mayo
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3.35 Betfair Hurdle (Grade 3 Handicap)
Wicklow Brave (Ruby Walsh)
He has been given a break since disappointing over this course and distance in November. He appears in good form and has a nice weight and the assistance of Ruby. He could be good each-way value at the price.
1pm Download The Titanbet App Novices’ Hurdle
Arbre De Vie (Paul Townend)
He is in good form and, with so many novices in the yard, we decided to let him travel over with Glens Melody. The extra furlong here will suit and we are hoping for a real good run.
2.40pm OLBG.com Mares’ Hurdle (Listed)
Glens Melody (Paul Townend)
She won this race last year and is coming back to form after a nice run at Naas last month. She should be very competitive again today.
Vroum Vroum Mag (Danny Mullins)
She is three from three for us but she will have to be at the top of her game if she is to continue the winning sequence here. However we think a lot of her and she could go in again.
3.40 Bet Online At thetote.com Beginners Chase
Blood Cotil (Danny Mullins)
He did very well over this course and distance last time where he was nearly brought down at the first fence. With a clear round today he must have a huge chance of making amends.
4.45 Go Racing In Kildare (Pro/Am) Flat Race
Pylonthepressure (Patrick Mullins)
He looked good when winning at Thurles and the extra three furlongs here will suit this long-striding son of Darsi. Space Cadet will be hard to beat but we won’t be far away at the business end.
Wicklow Brave (Ruby Walsh)
He has been given a break since disappointing over this course and distance in November. He appears in good form and has a nice weight and the assistance of Ruby. He could be good each-way value at the price.
1pm Download The Titanbet App Novices’ Hurdle
Arbre De Vie (Paul Townend)
He is in good form and, with so many novices in the yard, we decided to let him travel over with Glens Melody. The extra furlong here will suit and we are hoping for a real good run.
2.40pm OLBG.com Mares’ Hurdle (Listed)
Glens Melody (Paul Townend)
She won this race last year and is coming back to form after a nice run at Naas last month. She should be very competitive again today.
Vroum Vroum Mag (Danny Mullins)
She is three from three for us but she will have to be at the top of her game if she is to continue the winning sequence here. However we think a lot of her and she could go in again.
3.40 Bet Online At thetote.com Beginners Chase
Blood Cotil (Danny Mullins)
He did very well over this course and distance last time where he was nearly brought down at the first fence. With a clear round today he must have a huge chance of making amends.
4.45 Go Racing In Kildare (Pro/Am) Flat Race
Pylonthepressure (Patrick Mullins)
He looked good when winning at Thurles and the extra three furlongs here will suit this long-striding son of Darsi. Space Cadet will be hard to beat but we won’t be far away at the business end.
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13:15 Gala Retail Spring Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 1)
Kalkir (Ruby Walsh)
He was a little disappointing over this course and distance at Christmas but we think he will put that behind him and show much better form today. Petite Parisienne (BJ Cooper) looked unlucky on her first run so on that basis we are letting her take her chance here rather than going for a maiden. She has each-way prospects.
14:15 Deloitte Novice Hurdle (Grade 1)
Alvisio Ville (A P McCoy)
He had everyone talking after winning a maiden hurdle here at Christmas. He is as impressive at home and on that basis has every chance here. The only drawback is his lack of experience for a grade one like this.
Nichols Canyon (Ruby Walsh)
He will appreciate this longer trip and we are hoping he will return to his best form today.
Mckinley (David Casey)
He was a surprise winner of a grade one at Naas last time. There was no fluke about that performance but we are a little concerned that we might be running him again a bit soon.
Sempre Medici (Paul Townend)
He ran very well at Kempton last time and is in great form at home. He is improving all the time but his jumping needs to improve.
14:45 Flogas Novice Chase (Grade 1)
Valseur Lido (B J Cooper)
He has done nothing wrong so far and is improving all the time as he goes up in trip. He has had an uninterrupted preparation and we are hoping he will show his Cheltenham credentials today
Jarry D’honneur (A P McCoy)
He has done nothing wrong so far and is improving all the time as he goes up in trip. He has had an uninterrupted preparation and we are hoping he will show his Cheltenham credentials today.
Adriana Des Mottes (Ruby Walsh)
She will like the trip and ground and gets a valuable age and mares’ allowance. She could run very well.
15:50 Hennessy Gold Cup (Grade 1)
Ruby has picked On His Own and with his rating and the way he ran at Christmas it is probably the right choice. He is in great form at home and will improve with the drier ground.
Paul always gets a nice tune out of Boston Bob and has good prospects if On His Own doesn’t run up to form.
16:20 Raymond Smith Memorial Hunters Chase
pdb
Prince De Beauchene ( Patrick Mullins)
He won very well at Thurles last time and will appreciate this ground. There are two previous Cheltenham winners I this race but their recent form might be suspect so we are hoping for the best.
16:50 Leopardstown Club Membership (Pro/Am) Flat Race
Potters Point (Patrick Mullins)
He was unlucky to run up against a very good rival at Naas. If we are not running him back too quickly he will be very well suited by this galloping track and should go close again.
Kalkir (Ruby Walsh)
He was a little disappointing over this course and distance at Christmas but we think he will put that behind him and show much better form today. Petite Parisienne (BJ Cooper) looked unlucky on her first run so on that basis we are letting her take her chance here rather than going for a maiden. She has each-way prospects.
14:15 Deloitte Novice Hurdle (Grade 1)
Alvisio Ville (A P McCoy)
He had everyone talking after winning a maiden hurdle here at Christmas. He is as impressive at home and on that basis has every chance here. The only drawback is his lack of experience for a grade one like this.
Nichols Canyon (Ruby Walsh)
He will appreciate this longer trip and we are hoping he will return to his best form today.
Mckinley (David Casey)
He was a surprise winner of a grade one at Naas last time. There was no fluke about that performance but we are a little concerned that we might be running him again a bit soon.
Sempre Medici (Paul Townend)
He ran very well at Kempton last time and is in great form at home. He is improving all the time but his jumping needs to improve.
14:45 Flogas Novice Chase (Grade 1)
Valseur Lido (B J Cooper)
He has done nothing wrong so far and is improving all the time as he goes up in trip. He has had an uninterrupted preparation and we are hoping he will show his Cheltenham credentials today
Jarry D’honneur (A P McCoy)
He has done nothing wrong so far and is improving all the time as he goes up in trip. He has had an uninterrupted preparation and we are hoping he will show his Cheltenham credentials today.
Adriana Des Mottes (Ruby Walsh)
She will like the trip and ground and gets a valuable age and mares’ allowance. She could run very well.
15:50 Hennessy Gold Cup (Grade 1)
Ruby has picked On His Own and with his rating and the way he ran at Christmas it is probably the right choice. He is in great form at home and will improve with the drier ground.
Paul always gets a nice tune out of Boston Bob and has good prospects if On His Own doesn’t run up to form.
16:20 Raymond Smith Memorial Hunters Chase
pdb
Prince De Beauchene ( Patrick Mullins)
He won very well at Thurles last time and will appreciate this ground. There are two previous Cheltenham winners I this race but their recent form might be suspect so we are hoping for the best.
16:50 Leopardstown Club Membership (Pro/Am) Flat Race
Potters Point (Patrick Mullins)
He was unlucky to run up against a very good rival at Naas. If we are not running him back too quickly he will be very well suited by this galloping track and should go close again.
Arctic Fire: "I am not discounting Arctic Fire in the Champion Hurdle. He is improving all the time. He was beaten a head in the Vincent O'Brien County Hurdle last year and horses have come on from that to win the Champion Hurdle. He has always shown me plenty at home and when he was a three-year-old I thought this fella was better than any of them. I still don't think we have seen the best of him. He will love the strong pace at Cheltenham and we know he likes the track. If he doesn't win at Cheltenham, he will win a good race over hurdles at some point."
Alvisio Ville: "He is still in the Supreme and Neptune Novices' Hurdles. We have taken him out of the Albert Bartlett, although I would have left him in it. I would imagine connections are favouring the Supreme."
Annie Power: "She is in great form and has hit every target we have set her. My aim at the moment is the OLBG Mares' Hurdle. We will see what happens with the World Hurdle, but it will be a tough ask going three miles first time out in Cheltenham. She will probably be a bit fresher as well and that is another point to consider. You can say she didn't have the stamina last year because of the fact she didn't settle."
Ballycasey: "He is in the Ryanair Chase and a couple of handicaps. He will probably travel because there are not a lot of options for him. I think he is better than he showed at Ascot."
Black Hercules: "He is in good form and is more than likely to go for the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle."
Boston Bob: "I was disappointed with him the last day. He will go for the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup instead of the Ryanair Chase because if he won that, everyone would be asking why he didn't go for the Gold Cup."
Champagne Fever: "I would imagine, with the way the cards are falling, Champagne Fever will go for the Champion Chase. You would think after his performance at Gowran that he should go for the Ryanair Chase but I think we're favouring the Champion. He jumped fantastically and really enjoyed it at the weekend. It was great to see him back in that sort of form and he has been on fire since. He has won twice and been beaten a short-head in three runs over two miles at Cheltenham. You probably need a two and a half miler to win the Champion Chase anyway, so I'd rather have a crack at that and fail than go for the Ryanair."
Djakadam: "He is on course for the Gold Cup and I think the extra couple of furlongs will help him. If you look at our three horses in the Gold Cup, his latest performance was the best of the three even though it was only a handicap. Gowran is a fair test of any horse, especially in that ground. He had seasoned handicappers slogging away in behind him while Ruby was swinging from four out. He had top-weight as well and I think it was a Gold Cup performance. I am putting a line through his run at Newbury. We could not get a run into him beforehand because of the dry weather and he wasn't fit enough."
Don Poli: "I nominated the National Hunt Chase for Don Poli back in November but I think the Gigginstown team and Bryan Cooper are favouring the RSA Chase. A lot will depend on what they want to do as they have a lot of horses in both races. I look at his style of running and think the four-miler will really suit him. I love his style of racing and since they changed the conditions, I think the four-miler is becoming a classier race. I thought Valseur Lido was an RSA horse but I think connections want to go for the JLT Novices' Chase. They also have Very Wood for the four-miler and one or two others, so it will depend on where they go."
Douvan: "He is very good and there have been no problems. He is marked in for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle, end of story. He has got lots of ability and each time we ask him to do something, he comes up with the answer. He just does everything right and is as nice a horse as we have ever had going to Cheltenham. He is a fair machine."
Discosimo: "He will hopefully go for the JCB Triumph Hurdle. He is in on Sunday (at Naas) and I will decide if he runs after he works later in the week. The form of his win at Gowran suggests he might be the best of our three in the Triumph."
Faugheen: "He is doing everything right. Nigel Twiston-Davies has questioned what Faugheen has beaten and I am going to side with him on that for the time being! I thought Faugheen might go chasing this season but, when we analysed everything and looked at the fact that he hadn't been beaten, everyone was keener for him to go back hurdling and Vautour to go chasing. To have a potential champion hurdler in the yard is huge, rather than a horse going for the Arkle. We thought Vautour could possibly win an Arkle and possibly be a Gold Cup horse one day and we weren't as sure about Faugheen doing that. I did not want to travel to England again for a prep run and I didn't want to take on Hurricane Fly in the Irish Champion. We prepared Faugheen for the Red Mills Trial but, after a good discussion with Ruby, we felt he didn't need any more experience. We looked up the stats and have seen plenty of horses that have gone straight from Kempton to Cheltenham without a run. I think people look too much into stats, especially ones only going back 10 years or so. I prefer to look back 25 or 30 years."
Alvisio Ville: "He is still in the Supreme and Neptune Novices' Hurdles. We have taken him out of the Albert Bartlett, although I would have left him in it. I would imagine connections are favouring the Supreme."
Annie Power: "She is in great form and has hit every target we have set her. My aim at the moment is the OLBG Mares' Hurdle. We will see what happens with the World Hurdle, but it will be a tough ask going three miles first time out in Cheltenham. She will probably be a bit fresher as well and that is another point to consider. You can say she didn't have the stamina last year because of the fact she didn't settle."
Ballycasey: "He is in the Ryanair Chase and a couple of handicaps. He will probably travel because there are not a lot of options for him. I think he is better than he showed at Ascot."
Black Hercules: "He is in good form and is more than likely to go for the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle."
Boston Bob: "I was disappointed with him the last day. He will go for the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup instead of the Ryanair Chase because if he won that, everyone would be asking why he didn't go for the Gold Cup."
Champagne Fever: "I would imagine, with the way the cards are falling, Champagne Fever will go for the Champion Chase. You would think after his performance at Gowran that he should go for the Ryanair Chase but I think we're favouring the Champion. He jumped fantastically and really enjoyed it at the weekend. It was great to see him back in that sort of form and he has been on fire since. He has won twice and been beaten a short-head in three runs over two miles at Cheltenham. You probably need a two and a half miler to win the Champion Chase anyway, so I'd rather have a crack at that and fail than go for the Ryanair."
Djakadam: "He is on course for the Gold Cup and I think the extra couple of furlongs will help him. If you look at our three horses in the Gold Cup, his latest performance was the best of the three even though it was only a handicap. Gowran is a fair test of any horse, especially in that ground. He had seasoned handicappers slogging away in behind him while Ruby was swinging from four out. He had top-weight as well and I think it was a Gold Cup performance. I am putting a line through his run at Newbury. We could not get a run into him beforehand because of the dry weather and he wasn't fit enough."
Don Poli: "I nominated the National Hunt Chase for Don Poli back in November but I think the Gigginstown team and Bryan Cooper are favouring the RSA Chase. A lot will depend on what they want to do as they have a lot of horses in both races. I look at his style of running and think the four-miler will really suit him. I love his style of racing and since they changed the conditions, I think the four-miler is becoming a classier race. I thought Valseur Lido was an RSA horse but I think connections want to go for the JLT Novices' Chase. They also have Very Wood for the four-miler and one or two others, so it will depend on where they go."
Douvan: "He is very good and there have been no problems. He is marked in for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle, end of story. He has got lots of ability and each time we ask him to do something, he comes up with the answer. He just does everything right and is as nice a horse as we have ever had going to Cheltenham. He is a fair machine."
Discosimo: "He will hopefully go for the JCB Triumph Hurdle. He is in on Sunday (at Naas) and I will decide if he runs after he works later in the week. The form of his win at Gowran suggests he might be the best of our three in the Triumph."
Faugheen: "He is doing everything right. Nigel Twiston-Davies has questioned what Faugheen has beaten and I am going to side with him on that for the time being! I thought Faugheen might go chasing this season but, when we analysed everything and looked at the fact that he hadn't been beaten, everyone was keener for him to go back hurdling and Vautour to go chasing. To have a potential champion hurdler in the yard is huge, rather than a horse going for the Arkle. We thought Vautour could possibly win an Arkle and possibly be a Gold Cup horse one day and we weren't as sure about Faugheen doing that. I did not want to travel to England again for a prep run and I didn't want to take on Hurricane Fly in the Irish Champion. We prepared Faugheen for the Red Mills Trial but, after a good discussion with Ruby, we felt he didn't need any more experience. We looked up the stats and have seen plenty of horses that have gone straight from Kempton to Cheltenham without a run. I think people look too much into stats, especially ones only going back 10 years or so. I prefer to look back 25 or 30 years."
Full Screen
The champion trainer discusses the latest plans for his main Festival runners
Willie Mullins hosted a media visit organised by Cheltenham Racecourse
Glens Melody: "She is very good and has done everything right this year. She showed last year that she is well up to winning a mares' hurdle and the OLBG Mares' Hurdle is her aim again."
Hurricane Fly: "He has done everything right this season. If he was two or three years younger, he would definitely be favourite as he has done everything a clear favourite should have. People say he can't win because of his age but he is class. Some people say he doesn't run his best in Cheltenham but I am not so sure. He has won two Champion Hurdles from four starts and I think I had two good excuses for the times he got beaten.
"When he was really right going into Cheltenham, he has won. Horses have to be really right on the day or they will struggle. I felt going into his last two runs last season that he wasn't sparking as he can - he was just going through the motions. So far this year, he has not shown any of those signs. Paul Townend rides him and is a great indicator. He can tell me down to the ants how the horse is training and is giving me positive feedback all the time.
"It would be my dream result for the whole of Cheltenham if Hurricane Fly could win a third Champion Hurdle. He is our king but if Faugheen rises and wins it, then there is obviously great potential there to win another."
Kalkir: "He is set for the JCB Triumph Hurdle now. He put in a very good performance behind our mare at Leopardstown last time and I think he will improve from that."
Max Dynamite: "He may run this weekend and that will tell us more, but I think he is more of a Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle horse."
McKinley: "I don't know what we are going to do with McKinley, but my initial thought would be the Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle."
Nichols Canyon: "I reckon he will end up in the Neptune. He will have no problem staying the extra distance and some people have said he could be another Inglis Drever for his owner. He stays two miles on the flat and can go out to any trip."
On His Own: "He has so much stamina and the Gold Cup is all about stamina. He jumps well enough, although he gives up a bit of ground going out to the right, and the test really suits him. He loves an end to end gallop and I am hoping he will be there again at the finish."
Outlander: "It will more than likely be the Neptune for Outlander. I think he has Neptune written all over him. He disappointed me in Limerick and, because of that, probably surprised me a bit when he won in Leopardstown."
Petite Parisienne: "It was not a surprise when she won last time out as she was very unlucky not to win first time up at Punchestown. She is a very classy mare and will have a good chance in the JCB Triumph Hurdle."
Pont Alexandre: "It will be a struggle for him to make Cheltenham but I have given him a couple of entries. He is just all right and it will probably be Fairyhouse or Punchestown for him. He would have to surprise me over the next couple of weeks."
Shaneshill: "I will have to see how he works in the build-up because he missed a bit of time. He is coming back and, because the owners (Graham and Andrea Wylie) have Black Hercules for the Albert Bartlett and Nichols Canyon for the Neptune, he may end up in the Supreme. That is the plan at the moment but he has a good bit of work to do first."
Tell Us More: "He will go for the Supreme or the Neptune but it will depend how he gallops between now and then. I would prefer to keep him to the Neptune, but he has to come back right and please me at home before he goes to Cheltenham at all."
Un De Sceaux: "He has made a brilliant transition to fences. We didn't take on the best over hurdles last season, although he went to France and beat the best over there. If he takes to jumping fences in Cheltenham he is going to put up a big show in the Arkle. It is going to be a huge test for him given his style of racing - he goes flat out. He is the type of chaser you love to train. He is a proper two-miler and is really exciting to watch. His style of racing is heart stopping almost but that's the way he is. Punters and bookmakers have decided that if he stays up, he wins and I am happy to go along with that!"
Valseur Lido: "I think the gap between the Drinmore and his last run was the reason he got beat. He will improve for that. What wins the Moriarty usually goes on to the RSA Chase and that's the way I would like to go with him, but it might not suit Gigginstown and their other horses, so I can see him going for the JLT. He will be a contender in both races and I feel the further he goes, the easier he is going to do it."
Vautour: "If something happens to Un De Sceaux, he could go for the Arkle but at the moment Vautour is going for the JLT. He won the other day but I still have a good bit of work to do to get him back where he was last December. He will do that this week and next week and I think it will come.
I think he can go any trip. He is bred to stay but has the stride and speed for two miles. The JLT is where I want to go with him."
Vroum Vroum Mag: "She is in three or four races at Cheltenham but I doubt she will go. There is a mares' race in Limerick and she will probably go there, but we will see."
The champion trainer discusses the latest plans for his main Festival runners
Willie Mullins hosted a media visit organised by Cheltenham Racecourse
Glens Melody: "She is very good and has done everything right this year. She showed last year that she is well up to winning a mares' hurdle and the OLBG Mares' Hurdle is her aim again."
Hurricane Fly: "He has done everything right this season. If he was two or three years younger, he would definitely be favourite as he has done everything a clear favourite should have. People say he can't win because of his age but he is class. Some people say he doesn't run his best in Cheltenham but I am not so sure. He has won two Champion Hurdles from four starts and I think I had two good excuses for the times he got beaten.
"When he was really right going into Cheltenham, he has won. Horses have to be really right on the day or they will struggle. I felt going into his last two runs last season that he wasn't sparking as he can - he was just going through the motions. So far this year, he has not shown any of those signs. Paul Townend rides him and is a great indicator. He can tell me down to the ants how the horse is training and is giving me positive feedback all the time.
"It would be my dream result for the whole of Cheltenham if Hurricane Fly could win a third Champion Hurdle. He is our king but if Faugheen rises and wins it, then there is obviously great potential there to win another."
Kalkir: "He is set for the JCB Triumph Hurdle now. He put in a very good performance behind our mare at Leopardstown last time and I think he will improve from that."
Max Dynamite: "He may run this weekend and that will tell us more, but I think he is more of a Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle horse."
McKinley: "I don't know what we are going to do with McKinley, but my initial thought would be the Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle."
Nichols Canyon: "I reckon he will end up in the Neptune. He will have no problem staying the extra distance and some people have said he could be another Inglis Drever for his owner. He stays two miles on the flat and can go out to any trip."
On His Own: "He has so much stamina and the Gold Cup is all about stamina. He jumps well enough, although he gives up a bit of ground going out to the right, and the test really suits him. He loves an end to end gallop and I am hoping he will be there again at the finish."
Outlander: "It will more than likely be the Neptune for Outlander. I think he has Neptune written all over him. He disappointed me in Limerick and, because of that, probably surprised me a bit when he won in Leopardstown."
Petite Parisienne: "It was not a surprise when she won last time out as she was very unlucky not to win first time up at Punchestown. She is a very classy mare and will have a good chance in the JCB Triumph Hurdle."
Pont Alexandre: "It will be a struggle for him to make Cheltenham but I have given him a couple of entries. He is just all right and it will probably be Fairyhouse or Punchestown for him. He would have to surprise me over the next couple of weeks."
Shaneshill: "I will have to see how he works in the build-up because he missed a bit of time. He is coming back and, because the owners (Graham and Andrea Wylie) have Black Hercules for the Albert Bartlett and Nichols Canyon for the Neptune, he may end up in the Supreme. That is the plan at the moment but he has a good bit of work to do first."
Tell Us More: "He will go for the Supreme or the Neptune but it will depend how he gallops between now and then. I would prefer to keep him to the Neptune, but he has to come back right and please me at home before he goes to Cheltenham at all."
Un De Sceaux: "He has made a brilliant transition to fences. We didn't take on the best over hurdles last season, although he went to France and beat the best over there. If he takes to jumping fences in Cheltenham he is going to put up a big show in the Arkle. It is going to be a huge test for him given his style of racing - he goes flat out. He is the type of chaser you love to train. He is a proper two-miler and is really exciting to watch. His style of racing is heart stopping almost but that's the way he is. Punters and bookmakers have decided that if he stays up, he wins and I am happy to go along with that!"
Valseur Lido: "I think the gap between the Drinmore and his last run was the reason he got beat. He will improve for that. What wins the Moriarty usually goes on to the RSA Chase and that's the way I would like to go with him, but it might not suit Gigginstown and their other horses, so I can see him going for the JLT. He will be a contender in both races and I feel the further he goes, the easier he is going to do it."
Vautour: "If something happens to Un De Sceaux, he could go for the Arkle but at the moment Vautour is going for the JLT. He won the other day but I still have a good bit of work to do to get him back where he was last December. He will do that this week and next week and I think it will come.
I think he can go any trip. He is bred to stay but has the stride and speed for two miles. The JLT is where I want to go with him."
Vroum Vroum Mag: "She is in three or four races at Cheltenham but I doubt she will go. There is a mares' race in Limerick and she will probably go there, but we will see."