Facile Vega - W
Like
opatcho says, starting to look like the year of Appreciate It's win.
The British challenge is thinning out.
Some of the other Mullins horses with big reputations (Quais de Paris, Parmenion...) have come out recently but disappointed to varying degrees) so challenges from his own yard don't look overly strong.
I actually would quite like to take him on.
I just want to see him tested a bit more and involved in a race with a bit more substance pre festival (like Appreciate It had) - hopefully that comes at the DRF.
Marine Nationale will be the unknown coming fresh into the race.
Jonbon - L
Has done nothing wrong. Rightful favourite right now.
But this is arguably the toughest race of the lot in terms of depth.
Could well have 3 or 4 horses of similar ability in the race, with his opposition all coming from Mullins.
Probably has the hardest task of all of these listed, hence why i'll go for a loss.
Constitution Hill - W
The first of many champion hurdles.
Gaillard du Mesnil - W
Has all the hallmarks of Run Wild Fred last season who jumped off the page for the race and had everything going for him.
But I don't think there will be anything as classy or as good as Stattler in the race.
Energumene - L
2 horse race. Think the pair will produce a great race.
He's a serious horse.
But Edwardstone to just about come out on top. His Tingle Creek win was very good.
Delta Work - W
Absolutely nothing in the division. Galvin coming here changes the complexion of the race, and whilst I think that could happen. And would like it too.
Until that's mentioned again as an option, he has nothing to fear.
Allaho - L
A trouble free campaign and it wouldn't even be up for discussion.
But this will be his fifth festival in a row. 9 years old. Going for three wins in the race in a row.
Not ideal and you really need everything to fall into place in that scenerio imo.
The likes of BMG and Conflated could really have put it up to him, but will go elsewhere (rightfully so)
So i still struggle to give you the winner, but he's got the most question marks, at least until we see him again.
Lossiemouth - W
I'm never overly confident with juveniles.
But she looks top class.
The 7lb allowance is a huge benefit for mares, we've seen it time and time again at the festival. Not in this race specifically. But that may well change this year.
Mullins has a complete stranglehold of the race. And could easily have the 1-2-3.
If she gets beat, it's probably by a stablemate.
Galopin des Champs - W
A superstar. And if A Plus Tard doesn't come back to form the race won't have another in there. (albeit plenty of good horses that i rate)
Obviously the trip is an unknown.
And ground could well decide his chances.
But he could end up scooting clear, in a similar vein to last years winner.
I do actually think his GC chances would be greater if he were to go Ryanair > Gold Cup (2024) like Don Cossack, A Plus Tard, Imperial Commander.
But it's great they are going for Gold.
Allegorie de Vassy - W
At 6 years old - We'll have the next few seasons talking how we want to see her tackle the boys, and she may even do so now and again.
But she'll then mop up this race for the next couple of renewals.
Whilst never really knowing how she would have fared in a Ryanair / Gold Cup
