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Willie Mullins Stable Tour

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Cadspeed 10g Vertical Speed - Cadmina Killeedy Syndicate 9F3325- RPR 138c, OR 118c He showed plenty of promise early on over fences but never built on it and has failed to win in ten attempts. I have an idea where we went wrong with him and if we can rectify things then he should be able to pay his way.

Call Me Bubbles 4g Stormy River - Tempete Tropicale Mrs S Ricci 015-112 RPR 150h, OR 143h He’ll run on the Flat in the November Handicap at Leopardstown before going back over hurdles. He strikes me as a horse who should be able to win a good handicap over a trip and it’s possible we might have to travel to Britain with him. His five wins have all been on easy ground.

Call The Police 10g Accordion - Evangelica DD Racing Syndicate 113436- RPR 154c, OR 147c He didn’t have as good a campaign last season as we had hoped. We thought at one stage he would be a two-miler but it looks as if he needs a longer trip. He came back in late and it will probably be the second half of the season before he runs. We’ll be looking at staying handicap chases.

Chiltern Hills 6m Beneficial - Mirazur Supreme Horse Racing Club P2-1P18 RPR 119h, OR 119h I think she has the size, scope and pedigree to be a better mare over fences than she was in bumpers or over hurdles. She’ll be running in mares’ races and should pay her way.

Champagne Fever 6g Stowaway - Forever Bubbles Mrs S Ricci 123113- RPR 164h, OR 157h He schooled very well over fences with a view to going novice chasing last season, but we changed plans as I thought he needed more racing experience. It was a good decision as he won two Grade 1 novice hurdles. We’re really looking forward to him going over fences as he has a high cruising speed and a flamboyant way of jumping. We’ll start him off over 2m and see how we go. A lot of beginners’ chases are restricted to horses with low hurdle ratings, which curtails options a bit for the better horses. He’s won at two consecutive Cheltenham Festivals and it would be nice to think he could go back there and win again.

City Slicker 5g King’s Theatre - Donna’s Princess JP McManus 41423-1 RPR 127h, OR 119h He won a maiden hurdle at Punchestown in May and is a horse who can be very hard on himself at home and in his races. Hopefully, he will learn to settle better and I’d imagine we’ll keep him to 2m or thereabouts.

Daisy’s Gift 6m Presenting - Daizinni N G King 1- RPR 112b She’s not the biggest and has been held up by warts. We’re trying to remove them and can’t train her until that is done. We’re winning the battle and when she’s ready she’ll be running in mares’ hurdle races.

Darroun 5g Dalakhani - Darayka Mrs S Ricci -15F413 RPR 136c, OR - He appeared unlucky not to win for the second time over fences at Cork last time when a couple of mistakes proved costly. He should have learned from it and is a fine, big horse who should win more races from 2m4f upwards.

Devils Bride 6g Helissio - Rigorous Gigginstown House Stud -1141 RPR 116h A really big chasing type, we think he is a horse for goodish ground. He won well first time over hurdles at Limerick and we’ll probably keep him going until he tells us the ground is getting too testing. When, and if, that happens we’ll give him a break until the spring.

Diakali 4g Sinndar - Diasilixa Wicklow Bloodstock Ltd 1241-21 RPR 144h, OR 145h He did very well winning the Grade 1 juvenile at the Punchestown festival and also France’s top race for the age group, the Prix Alain du Breil. He had a tough campaign and while it has always been hard for second-season hurdlers, the programme for those horses is better than it used to be and we will go that route with him. We’ll be looking at big targets for him in the spring and I’d imagine France will again be on his schedule. He likes soft ground.

Digeanta 6g Helissio - Scolboa Gold Dr Peter Moran & Colland Sand & Gravel Ltd 11- RPR 129h He’s had a little setback and will be back over hurdles in the new year. He is very ground dependant and needs it good. He’s won a maiden hurdle over 2m4f and has also twice won over 1m6f on the Flat and he’ll continue to mix both.

Djakadam 4g Saint Des Saints - Rainbow Crest Mrs S Ricci 2/U1124- RPR 133h, OR 132h He won a couple over hurdles and, despite his age, the plan is to send him over fences, sooner rather than later. He is a fine, big horse who likes testing ground.

Dogora 4g Robin Des Pres - Garde De Nuit Mrs S Ricci 11233- RPR 133h, OR 132h He’s another four-year-old we’re thinking of going chasing with. A nice sort who likes soft ground, he jumps well.

Drive Time 8g King Cugat - Arbusha Andrea & Graham Wylie F1/F1-42 RPR 157h, OR 150h He fell in the 2012 Galway Hurdle and got a stress fracture later in the season. He can be quite hard on himself at home and in his races but he has plenty of ability as he has shown, winning four times over hurdles and three times on the Flat. We schooled him over fences last season and it wasn’t a success, but he has schooled better this year and will probably go novice chasing. However, he was fourth in this year’s Galway Hurdle and there could be a good handicap hurdle in him. He was beaten only a nose when we stretched him out to 2m6f in a conditions hurdle at Thurles last Thursday.

Dr Schultz 5g Dr Massini - Charming Present P W Mullins 0-411 RPR 124h He won a 2m4f bumper and a 2m3f maiden hurdle on fast ground during the summer and is on a break. When he comes back he will be running in more hurdle races.

Faugheen 5g Germany - Miss Pickering Mrs S Ricci 1-1 RPR 133b He looked an exciting prospect when winning his bumper by 22 lengths at Punchestown in May. He had a little setback after that but is going novice hurdling and should do well over 2m4f or further. He is going to make a fine chaser one day.

Felix Yonger 7g Oscar - Marble Sound Andrea & Graham Wylie 21125/1 RPR 141c, 153h, OR 145h He had a splint problem that forced him to miss last season, but he won nicely on his debut over fences in May, beating White Star Line who went on to win the Kerry National. He’ll be running in novice chases and has enough speed for 2m and enough stamina to stay further.

Hurricane Fly 9g Montjeu - Scandisk George Creighton & Mrs Rose Boyd 1/11111- RPR 173h, OR 175h He has come back from his summer break stronger than ever before and that is probably not too surprising because of the wonderful summer we had. I’d imagine we’ll follow the same route as last season and start off in the Morgiana at Punchestown and then on to Leopardstown at Christmas, followed by the Irish Champion and then Cheltenham and Punchestown. We’re hoping he has retained most, if not all, of his ability as he will have to fight off the younger brigade of hurdlers lining up to try to take his crown. If for any reason he was to miss the Morgiana then he’d probably start off in the Hatton’s Grace at Fairyhouse, a race he won three years ago.

Fiveforthree 11g Arzanni - What A Queen Olde Crowbars Syndicate 2118/35- RPR 168h, OR 152h His career has been badly interrupted by injury but he came back last season and ran a cracking race to finish third in the Coral Cup after two years off. He has schooled well over fences, but he’s fragile and hard to keep sound, so because of that and his age I’m keener on keeping him to hurdles and giving chasing a miss. We’ll see what the owners want to do.

Flash Of Genius 7g Definite Article - Fortune’s Girl Gigginstown House Stud 11/ RPR 137b He seems to be over all his training problems. He handles testing ground well, has enough pace for 2m and should also stay well. I’m looking forward to him starting off over hurdles and if he retains the huge ability he showed when winning his bumper by 24 lengths then he should have a good season.

Glens Melody 5m King’s Theatre - Glens Music Fiona McStay 131121- RPR 138h, OR 140h She improved all through last season and I’m delighted that her owner, Fiona McStay, who runs a top-class breeding operation, made the sporting decision to keep her in training instead of retiring her. She should again make her presence felt in the mares’ division and she has the ability to take on the males.

Goldboy 5g Gold Well - Woodbinesandroses C C R Racing Syndicate 4/5-211 RPR 135b He was disappointing on very testing ground but improved quite a bit once he got better conditions, winning two bumpers. I’d imagine the ground will dictate his novice hurdling career. He has matured and got stronger.
 
Immediate Response 10g Strategic Choice - Rosies All The Way Kates Monkeys Syndicate 18/1316- RPR 135c, 143h, OR 130c, 132h He’ll probably continue to mix it over hurdles and fences. He’s owned by a group of Patrick’s [Mullins] pals and I’d imagine plans will be dictated by his riding weight. We also have the option of going the cross-country route with him.

Indevan 5g Indesatchel - Be Most Welcome Mrs S Ricci 21-1121 RPR 143h, OR 132h He has been something of a surprise packet, winning three hurdle races. His pedigree and perfomances suggest he needs decent ground and he’ll be kept on the go in novice hurdles until he tells us conditions are getting too testing. He has speed but doesn’t lack stamina as he showed when making all over 2m5f last time, so we’ve plenty of options.

Inish Island 7g Trans Island - Ish Susan Flanagan/Hazel Flanagan and Patrick R Flanagan 3/12132- RPR 148h, OR 145h He was a useful performer over hurdles. Novice chasing is the plan and he should do well in staying races. He had a slight setback and is about a month behind schedule.

Laganbank 7g Norwich - Listen Up Rose Boyd & Marie J Armstrong 184844 RPR 147c, 140h OR 143c With the ground gone for him, he’ll head home now because he’s very ground dependent. He’ll be on a break until next spring or summer when we’ll probably concentrate on handicap chases.

Made In Germany 5g Germany - Black Dot Com Gigginstown House Stud 2/1-1 RPR 119b He looked a really useful sort when winning his two bumpers. He has a good attitude and while he looks all over a chaser he is going novice hurdling this season and should do well.

Marito 7g Alkalde - Maratea Mrs S Ricci 2/113F2- RPR 153c, OR 147c He won a couple of chases last season and was in with a chance of being placed in the Jewson at Cheltenham when he fell at the second-last. I’m hoping there will be more to come from him and he’ll be going handicap chasing. If he is as useful as he promises to be he’s probably on a decent enough mark.

Midnight Game 6g Montjeu - Midnight Angel Gigginstown House Stud 2P6-402 RPR 147h, OR 142h He has proved to be short of the top level and will be plying his trade in conditions hurdles. He appreciates decent ground.

Mikael D’Haguenet 9g Lavirco - Fleur D’Haguenet Mrs S Ricci 1F1332- RPR 159h, 158c, OR 150h, 147c We were toying with the idea of retiring him but he did so well during his summer break we’ve had second thoughts. He came back in good and strong. He has a history of back problems but is taking his training very well. We’ll mix it like last season between hurdles and fences, but he does seem more at home over hurdles.

Mourad 8g Sinndar - Mouramara Teahon Consulting Ltd 3163/04- RPR 165h, OR - He missed most of last season because of a setback. We’re thinking of running him in the November Handicap at Leopardstown before he goes back hurdling. He’ll be running in conditions hurdles over 2m4f-plus and should earn his keep.

Moyle Park 5g Flemensfirth - Lovely Present Mrs S Ricci 11- RPR 125b He was very brave in the Land Rover bumper at Punchestown where he looked beaten a furlong out before grinding out victory. He has been very hard on himself and ran very fresh at Punchestown. He ought to settle better with more experience and should make into a good novice hurdler. He might settle best over 2m.

Mozoltov 7g Kayf Tara - Fairmead Princess Gigginstown House Stud 1213/11- RPR 145h, OR 144h A new acquisition for the Gigginstown team. He achieved a good standard for us as a novice hurdler and looks a typical chaser – he’s an exciting prospect for that game, probably in the staying division.

Noble Inn 3g Sinndar- Nataliana M J Mulvaney 1 RPR 115h We got him relatively cheaply in France. He won on his hurdling debut on good going at Ballinrobe. He probably needs that type of ground and is a nice prospect.

Outlander 5g Stowaway - Western Whisper Gigginstown House Stud P2/1116- RPR 130b He showed good ability in bumpers, winning three times. On the evidence of his bumper form he should have no problem staying a trip. He goes on testing ground and will be novice hurdling. We’ll probably start him off over 2m and take it from there.

Passage Vendome 7g Polish Summer - Herodiade F N Doyle 12-P501 RPR 137c, OR 138c He got off the mark over fences at the fourth attempt, winning over 2m at Tramore. I doubt he’s really a horse for winter ground, so we’ll try to win another chase with him before conditions get too testing and then put him away until the spring.

On His Own 9 g Presenting - Shuil Na Mhuire Andrea & Graham Wylie /1F5-176 RPR 153c, 147h, OR 142c, 142h We compromised ourselves a bit with him last season trying to protect his handicap mark for the Aintree National. He did win a couple of hurdle races, including a Grade 2, but he fell in the National for the second year running. We’ll be doing things differently this season and he’ll be aimed at a number of the big staying handicap chases, starting with the Hennessy at Newbury. He is probably well handicapped and we’re hoping he will pick up a big prize somewhere along the way. Naas [yesterday, last of six] wasn’t his day but there will be plenty of others.
 
Quevega 9m Robin Des Champs - Vega IV Hammer & Trowel Syndicate 1111/11- RPR 164h, OR 167h She’s back in pre-training and will be back with us shortly. It will be the usual plan: no run until she goes back to Cheltenham in March for her prep race for the Punchestown festival! Seriously, we would dearly love to win the mares’ race at Cheltenham for the sixth year in a row and that is the big aim. No matter what anyone says about where we should run her, that has been the plan since she won there in March, it remains the plan and there will be no change. Hopefully, we can

Perfect Gentleman 8g King’s Theatre - Millennium Lilly Mrs J M Mullins 443P-12 RPR 134h He won a 3m maiden hurdle early in the season and will continue in novice hurdles. Stamina looks his forte. We’ll wait until next season before sending him over fences.

Pink Hat 5m Presenting - Victorine Mrs J M Mullins 11 RPR 110b A very well-bred mare, she’s done nothing wrong so far, winning her two bumpers. We might run her in the valuable mares’ bumper at Navan or there’s a chance we might take her to Britain.

Pique Sous 6g Martaline - Six Fois Sept Supreme Horse Racing Club 12161-P RPR 144h, OR 137h He had to have colic surgery last month and is recovering well. He likes goodish ground, so the plan is to bring him back in the spring when he will continue his career over hurdles.

Popcorn 10g Roakarad - Baie De Chalamont Mrs J M Mullins 221716/ RPR 139c, 131h, OR 120h A fine, big horse who has won a chase and is back with us after a long absence. He will stay chasing and as he is a good jumper he could be a horse for the Topham at Aintree.

Prince De Beauchene 10g French Glory - Chipie D’Angron Andrew & Graham Wylie 5151/12- RPR 158c, 148h, OR 155c, 146h He was unlucky to miss the last two runnings of the Aintree National because of different setbacks, but he’s back and will again be aimed at the big race, although we’ll be kicking on with him and running him in other big handicap chases between now and then.

Quel Esprit 9g Saint Des Saints - Jeune D’Esprit Red Barn Syndicate 113/04P- RPR 160c, OR 155c He had his big day in the 2012 Hennessy at Leopardstown. He had a light campaign last season and we’re thinking of going the hunter chase route with him. He ran in the Aintree National last season and because of the experience he gained there he could be one for the Fox Hunters’.

Raise Hell 6g Presenting - Markiza Gigginstown House Stud 3219-44 RPR 120c, 121h, OR 114h He’s had two runs over fences and made a bad mistake at Limerick last time. With more experience I’d expect him to become a better performer over fences than he was over hurdles.

Rattan 8g Royal Anthem - Rouwaki J A Coleman B02-P31 RPR 122c, 149h, OR 136h A very versatile performer who has won on the Flat, over hurdles and fences. We’ll keep mixing it with him. He’s adaptable in terms of ground and distance although 2m4f to 2m6f probably suits him best.

Renneti 4g Irish Wells - Caprice Meill Mrs S Ricci 1 RPR 128h He won a couple on the Flat in France and on his debut for us over hurdles this month. We brought him to Downpatrick, which many wouldn’t regard as a fashionable track, but it went very well and he won easily. Final Approach won his maiden hurdle for us at the same track and a year later won at the Cheltenham Festival.

Rolly Baby 8g Funny Baby - Vancia Teahon Consulting Ltd 2/1- RPR 130h He was off a long time before winning a maiden hurdle by ten lengths at Thurles last season. He looked a pretty decent horse that day. He’s back in pre-training and will probably be staying over hurdles.

Rough Justice 5g Beneficial - Ringzar Gigginstown House Stud /362-102 RPR 122h, OR - He proved expensive to follow in bumpers before winning one. He looks the type who will make a staying chaser but that will be next season. Staying novice hurdles will be his game and goodish ground might suit him best. He ran well on his hurdling debut when second on quick ground at Thurles last Thursday.

Royal Moll 6m King’s Theatre - Moll Bawn Hibo Syndicate 11 RPR 105b A nice mare with a lovely pedigree, she won a bumper at Sligo in August and there is plenty of stamina in her pedigree, so we’ll step her up in trip for a winners-of-one after her easy win at Galway yesterday.

Rubi Ball 8g Network - Hygie Mme Patrick Papot F/UP3U2- RPR 160c, OR - He was a top chaser in France where he won seven times over fences, three at Group 1 level. Two of those Graded wins were over 3m4f, so he’ll be going for long-distance races. He lost his way a bit and hasn’t won for two years, but he is still young enough and his owner, who has a big team in France, decided to send him to us as he thought Ireland might suit the horse. We’re looking forward to starting him off and he could be a really good addition to the team.

Sarabad 5g Astarabad - Saraphine Mrs S Ricci 221U05- RPR 130h, OR 119h He has been a bit disappointing since coming from France, but if we can get him right he should make into a good handicap hurdler. He’s on a nice mark and didn’t run badly when sixth at Naas yesterday.

Security Breach 4g Red Clubs - Lear’s Crown Gigginstown House Stud 17-013P RPR 135h, OR 131h He’s won his two hurdle races on heavy and good to firm and while those wins were over 2m, he’s been placed over 2m6f. So there should be plenty of opportunities for him to add to his score.

Shake The Tree 6m Shantou - Back Log J P M O’Connor 45-5 RPR 101b We’ll try to win a bumper with her before she goes hurdling. She’s been a bit disappointing so far, but she’s well bred and might not want real winter ground.

Shamsikhan 4g Dr Fong - Shamdala Audrey Turley 2 RPR 116h He made an encouraging start when second over hurdles at Listowel last month. The winner, Minella Foru, looked get her there in top form.

Thousand Stars 9g Grey Risk - Livaniana Hammer & Trowel Syndicate 2632-49 RPR 165h, OR 164h He has been a very consistent performer over the years and owes nobody anything at this stage. He’s in pre-training and will be returning to us shortly. If he shows the same appetite as before I’d imagine he will have a similar campaign again this time and he will be running in many of the top-end hurdle races. We haven’t mapped out a plan for him yet.

Sir des Champs En Tete Gigginstown House Stud 1/24121- RPR 174c, OR 173c He had a very good campaign in the big league last season, winning two Grade 1s and running a cracking race when second in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, which will again be his target. He did very, very well over the summer and came back really big and strong. I’d imagine we’ll more or less stick to the same programme this time although I’m not sure yet whether he’ll start off in the John Durkan Memorial at Punchestown as he did last season. We’re looking at the Lexus and the Hennessy at Leopardstown, which he won last year, before Cheltenham and then on to Punchestown, where he won the Gold Cup in April.very smart. He’s had a setback since but will be back in action this side of Christmas.

Shesafoxylady 5m Trans Island - Foxed Supreme Horse Racing Club 321 RPR 112b She has improved with every run and the plan is to go back to Punchestown, where she won, for a winners’ bumper. She jumps well and will be going hurdling.

Sin Palo 9g Dushyantor - Platinum Gold Down The Hatch Syndicate F2-P357 RPR 140c, OR 128c He has earned his keep by winning a bumper, a hurdle race and a chase. We’re looking at the cross-country route for him in search of more glory and loot for his owners.

Sizing Brisbane 5g Nayef - Elaine Tully Ann & Alan Potts Partnership 4- RPR 107b A fine, big chasing type, he disappointed us a bit on his only start but it was on the inside track at Punchestown and he probably found it a bit tight. We’ll try to win a bumper with him before sending him over hurdles.

Sizing Chile 5g Flemensfirth - Smooching Ann & Alan Potts Partnership 223- RPR 116b Another chasing type, he works well at home. He was placed in all three of his bumpers last season and should be able to win one before he goes hurdling.

Sizing Tennessee 5g Robin Des Champs - Jolivia Ann & Alan Potts Partnership 4/1105- RPR 122b We think he’s a good one. He looked exciting winning two bumpers but he boiled over at Cheltenham where he ran far too freely and didn’t handle the occasion at all. We’re looking forward to him running in novice hurdles. He’s certainly not slow but staying will probably be his game.

Suntiep 7g Ungaro - Galostiepy J T Ennis 111- RPR 135h He’s one of the toughest horses in the yard and doesn’t know how to give up. Staying is his forte and already a close relative of mine [son, Patrick] is eyeing the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham for him. So it’s more than likely that race will be the aim depending on how he fares in novice chases over the coming months. All his runs have been on heavy ground, which he handles very well.
 
Super Mix 7g Fragrant Mix - Fhilida Philip J Reynolds 22- RPR 123b Placed in his two bumpers, he has been slow to mature. The plan is to give him another shot at winning a bumper before he goes over hurdles. His half-brother, Rhialco, is a multiple winner over hurdles and fences in France.

Supreme Bailerina 5m Norse Dancer - Second Best Supreme Horse Racing Club 11 RPR 113b She comes from a very good family, that of Minorettes Girl and Observe, and after winning her two bumpers she should make an impact in mares’ novice hurdles.

Supreme Carolina 6m Traditionally - Carolina Supreme Horse Racing Club 1416-40 RPR 133h, OR 119h She’s a homebred mare who won a couple of hurdle races last season. She returned from a four-month break at Listowel last month and will stay hurdling.

Sweet My Lord 7g Johann Quatz - Hasta Manana Aiden Devaney -B9S303 RPR 141c, 151h OR 130c, 135h He’ll continue mixing it between hurdles and fences. He was unlucky in the Leopardstown Chase last season when he fell at the last after just taking the lead. With better luck he might get through a decent handicap chase – maybe even the one in which he fell in January. He ran quite a good race over hurdles at Thurles last Thursday when third in a 2m6f conditions race.

Tarla 7m Lavirco - Targerine Mrs S Ricci IFF14-1 RPR 148c, 150h, OR 144c, 147h She’s had a small setback and it will be the second half of the season before she’s back. She has won ten races, seven of them over hurdles and two over fences, and seems happier over hurdles. She might mix it and make an impact in more mares’ races.

Tennis Cap 6g Snow Cap - Jijie Violet O’Leary 01124F- RPR 149h, OR 145h He really came good last season, winning three times over hurdles and finishing second in the County Hurdle. He goes novice chasing and I think he has the pace to compete well in races over 2m or thereabouts. He loves testing ground.

Terminal 6g Passing Sale - Durendal Favourites Racing Syndicate 115U-0P RPR 147c, OR 143c He’ll be competing in handicap chases over plenty of distance. He seems to be suited by 2m4f plus and I think the ability is there for him to get through a decent handicap.

Theleze 6m Lavirco - Divette Ann & Alan Potts Partnership 213421/ RPR 120h, OR 110h She’s by a sire who has been very lucky for us. She had to have a season off and will be going back over hurdles – she won a maiden for us very easily before having her setback. She’s big enough for fences when the time comes.

Themoonandsixpence 10g Presenting - Elphis Mrs S Ricci 1122/P-4 RPR 144c, OR 128c Even though he prefers good ground , he has missed so much over the years that we’ll try to get him to earn his keep on softer. He has had only five races over fences but finished second in the 2010 Galway Plate, so if he stays right you’d like to think there should be a decent handicap to be won with him.

The Paparrazi Kid 6g Milan - Banbury Cross Byerley Thoroughbred Racing 221031- RPR 138h, OR 133h He had reasonable form over hurdles and we’re hoping he’ll improve over fences. He’ll be running in novice chases and 2m4f-plus should suit.

Totally Dominant 4g War Chant - Miss Kilroy Mrs S Ricci 2-2 RPR 109b Unlike most of our horses, he is an American-bred. He’s run well in both his bumpers and we’ll try to win one with him before he goes hurdling. He seems to like soft ground.

Touch The Eden 6g Malinas - Loika Mrs S Ricci 12/14- RPR 133h, OR 134h He was quite impressive winning at Thurles on his first start for us but disappointed on his second outing. We discovered a slight problem but he is fine now and will be going novice chasing. He looks the ideal type for the staying division.

Turban 6g Dom Alco - Indianabelle Edward O’Connell 02/221-4 RPR 141c, 146h OR 136h A lovely chasing type by a good French sire, he is one from three over fences having won over 2m at Cork in April and will be continuing in chases. I wouldn’t have a problem stretching him out a bit in distance.

Turnandgo 5g Morozov - Crazy Alice Gigginstown House Stud 1211- RPR 136b He won a couple of bumpers and should be a useful recruit to the novice hurdling ranks. His future lies over fences as he is a lovely chasing type.

Twinlight 6g Muhtathir - Fairlight M L Bloodstock Ltd 11241-1 RPR 154c, 143h OR 153c, 137h He strengthened up well over the summer. He’s a horse who has kept surprising me and he has huge battling qualities, which stand him in good stead when he gets involved in a fight. He had a good season over fences last term and won a Grade 3 at Naas really well yesterday.

Un Beau Roman 5g Roman Saddle - Koukie Aiden Devaney 61-1262 RPR 142h, OR 131h He’s won two hurdle races and, on the evidence so far, appears to be very ground dependant. However, now he has matured he might handle soft ground better. We’ll wait and see and if he struggles on winter ground then we’ll go novice chasing with him in the spring.

Uncle Junior 12g Saddlers’ Hall - Caslain Nua Mrs M McMahon U04PFP- RPR 155c, OR 137c It will be more of the same for him – another season concentrating mainly on the cross-country discipline, starting at Cheltenham next month.

Un De Sceaux 5g Denham Red - Hotesse De Sceaux Edward O’Connell 1/111- RPR 152h He looked impressive, making all to win his first two races for us at Punchestown. He will be staying over hurdles and I’d imagine he will be sticking to 2m or thereabouts. I don’t think the ground makes much difference to him. How good he will turn out to be remains to be seen, but we like him.

Unic De Bersy 5g Nononito - Callostra De Bersy Gigginstown House Stud 5/231-1 RPR 116b His win was in a point-to-point bumper and he goes novice hurdling. I’d imagine he will be one for the staying division.

Union Dues 5g Malinas - Royale Dorothy Allan McLuckie 118- RPR 127b He had a little setback when we were getting him ready to run at Killarney in August. He’s back in training and, having looked very exciting when winning his two bumpers, we’re looking forward to him doing well in novice hurdles, probably in the second half of the season.

Upazo 5g Enrique - Honey Philip J Reynolds 31/2275- RPR 124h A maiden after four runs over hurdles, he disappointed on his last two starts. I think he’s matured over the summer and can win a staying maiden hurdle.

Upsie 5m Le Balafre - Medjie J P McManus 11/11- RPR 134h She’s a very exciting mare who won both her races for us last season after coming from France. She didn’t jump that well first time but was a good bit better on her second start. She stays hurdling and has a lot of potential. It will be difficult trying to keep her, Annie Power and Glens Melody apart.

Up The Beat 8g Beat All - Everything’s Rosy Mrs A M Varmen/ R J D Varmen 663124/ RPR 147c, OR 140c He missed last season. He’s an out-and-out staying chaser and a good jumper. If all went well with him I wouldn’t rule out the possibility of him being an Aintree National possible.

Urano 5g Enrique - Neiland Mrs M McMahon 1/1222-2 RPR 126h, OR - He’s a highly rated maiden that’s for sure. He was unlucky to come up against some smart horses over hurdles last season and if he can build on that form then he might fulfil the potential we believe he has. He has the pace to be effective over 2m.

Vedettariat 4g Lavirco - Platine Mrs S Ricci 15- RPR 104b He shows a lot on the gallops and I think he’s a very good horse. He was probably a bit under-cooked on his only start for us and he is shaping up to be a very useful bumper horse before he goes hurdling.

Vicky De L’Oasis 4f Ultimately Lucky - Japonaise 111 Wicklow Bloodstock Ltd 41112-1 RPR 129h She took time to acclimatise when she came from France where she showed plenty of ability. She impressed me with both her hurdle wins at Galway and Wexford. I was very happy with her last Saturday and she’ll step up another notch now for a winners-of-two. She’s bred to get much further and has plenty of stamina in her family.

Viconte Du Noyer 4g Martaline - Zouk Wood Ann & Alan Potts Syndicate 1/3-5085 RPR 130h, OR 131h He won a hurdle race in France and came to us with a good reputation. He’s been disappointing so far but I think when he goes 2m4f or further he should show us more. Wicklow brave He’s having an easy time before going hurdling in the New Year

Zaidpour 7g Red Ransom - Zainta Mrs S Ricci 2P23-73 RPR 166h, OR 155h He came back looking really well after summer grass unlike last year when he clearly didn’t enjoy the wet summer. He’s capable of running well over a range of distances, although his only top-level win in recent seasons was in the Hatton’s Grace last year.
 
Ballycasey wins over 2miles and they talk about the 4-miler :confused:

Patrick Mullins, representing his father, said: "He jumped fantastic and he had been schooling brilliantly.

"He liked that bit of better ground. Ruby said he was going as fast as he wanted to and he'll probably go up in trip now but it was great that he was able to win over that distance.

"He'll go for a novice race at Christmas and I'll try and twist dad's arm and get him to run him in the four-mile race (at the Cheltenham Festival).
 
1.
Alonso
4yo g Green Tune – Lady Cree. He joined us earlier this year and looked a decent prospect when winning his
maiden hurdle at Wexford. He got the trip well that day but I wouldn’t be afraid to drop him back to two miles.
His work at home has been good and he is a horse that we like. He could run at Christmas time.
2.
Analifet
3yo f Califet – Viana. She looked a smart filly when she made a winning debut over timber at Punchestown.
She will improve for that and I’d imagine that she will go for the Grade 2 Juvenile Hurdle on St Stephens Day.
We’ll see how far she can go in that division but she has come out of her race well and she is a filly that we like.
3.
Annie Power
5yo m Shirocco – Anno Luce. She has developed into a terrific mare and has won all her eight starts. She went
to Ascot for her first outing of the season and she displayed a great attitude to beat the more experienced Zar
-
kandar. She has everything that you’d want and while she won over two and a half miles at Ascot, she has the
pace for two. She will have an entry in The Grade 1 Ryanair Festival Hurdle and she is clearly a very talented
mare. We have plenty of options for her.
4.
Arvika Ligeonniere
8yo g Lavirco – Daraka. He won a Grade 1 for us at Leopardstown last season and rounded off his campaign
winning another nice prize at Punchestown. I was very happy with him when he won a Grade 2 at Clonmel
and he is a great big horse and while he seems to prefer going right handed, we will give him an entry in the
Paddy Power Dial-A-Bet Chase and Lexus Chase. I can see him getting three miles and he is very effective on
soft ground. He has grown into his frame and he should do well for us this season.
5.
Ballycasey
6yo g Presenting – Pink Mist. I thought he jumped fantastic to win what looked a decent beginners chase at
Navan. That was over two miles and a furlong and he will appreciate further. He should get three miles over
fences. He was third in a Grade 1 novice hurdle behind Morning Assembly at Punchestown last season. He
should improve for the step up in trip and The Topaz Novice Chase is an option for him.
6.
Boston Bob
8yo g Bob Back – Bavaway. He is basically a very good jumper, but he fell at the last in The RSA Chase and
he fell again at The Punchestown Festival. He really needs a trip and stamina is his forte, but I am not sure
yet if we will aim him at some of the big staying chases, as we also have the option of the staying hurdling
division. I’d imagine that he will have entries in the big staying races over hurdles and fences at Christmas.
7.
Blood Cotil
4yo g Enrique – Move Along . He developed into a useful juvenile hurdler last season. He won a Grade 2 and
was later placed in a Grade 1. He has schooled well over fences. We might keep him over hurdles for another
season, so we’ll see. It is a nice problem to have and being a four year old, he gets a nice weight allowance in
novice chases. He could run at Christmas and he likes testing ground.
Leopardstown
Racecourse
Leopardstown
Racecourse
8.
Briar Hill
5yo g Shantou – Backaway . He was fantastic last season running out a wide margin winner of The Chelten
-
ham Bumper. We seem to have a nice team of novice hurdlers and this fellow won his maiden hurdle nicely
at Wexford. I would expect him to come on for that and he will have a few options over Christmas. He’ll have
an entry in The Grade 1 Paddy Power Future Champion Novice Hurdle.
9.
Champagne Fever
6yo g Stowaway – Forever. He has developed into a fantastic servant and made all to win last season’s Su
-
preme Novices’ Hurdle. He looked a natural over fences when he won at Punchestown and I’d imagine that
we’ll keep him to two miles and he’ll have an entry in The Grade 1 Racing Post Novice Chase on St Stephens
Day. He has won at the last two Cheltenham Festivals and he looks a very smart novice chaser.
10.
City Slicker
5yo g King’s Theatre – Donna’s Princess. He was impressive when he won a handicap hurdle at Punchestown
a few weeks ago. He went up 14lbs for that success and we’ll see where we’ll go with him. He is still a novice
and I’d imagine that he’ll have a couple of options over the Christmas period.
11.
Clondaw Court
6yo g Court Cave - Secret Can’t Say. He has won a point to point and a bumper and he is a horse that we think
a fair bit of. He has yet to run over hurdles and he could start off in a maiden hurdle over two and a half miles
around Christmas time.
12.
Diakali
4yo g Sinndar – Diasilixa. He rounded off last season winning The Grade 1 Four Year Old Hurdle at Punch
-
estown and The Prix Alain de Breil, which is the top four year old hurdle in France. He will have some big
targets in the spring and we might have him ready to start back around Christmas time.
13.
Faugheen
5yo g Germany – Miss Pickering. He won his bumper well last season and he looked a nice prospect for some
of the better novice hurdles when he won a maiden hurdle at Punchestown. He jumped very well that day and
he seems to have the pace for two miles. He could go for some of the better novice hurdles at Christmas and
I’d imagine that we’ll look at The Grade 1 Paddy Power Future Champions Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown
for him.
14.
Felix Yonger
7yo g Oscar – Marble Sound. He gave an exhibition of jumping when he won his novice chase at Punchestown
last May over two and a half miles and he surprised me how well he travelled when we dropped him back in
trip to win a Grade 2 over two miles last month at Punchestown. He has come out of that race in great form
and he will more than likely go for The Grade 1 Racing Post Novice Chase at Christmas. He looks an exciting
prospect.
15.
Glens Melody
5yo m King’s Theatre – Glens Music. She won the Grade 1 Mares Hurdle at last season’s Punchestown Fes
-
tival. She proved her well-being with a comfortable success over two miles and six on her comeback run at
Punchestown. That opens up more options for her and there is every chance that she’ll go for the Grade 1
woodiesdiy.com Christmas Hurdle over three miles at Leopardstown.
Leopardstown
Racecourse
16.
Hurricane Fly
9yo g Montjeu – Scandisk. It was great to win his 17th Grade 1 in The Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown. It
was probably his least impressive performance, but he will come on enormously for that. He loves it around
Leopardstown and he has won six times around there. He will go back there for The Grade 1 Ryanair Festival
Hurdle on the final day of the festival. Everything is geared towards retaining his Champion Hurdle crown at
Cheltenham.
17.
Marito
7yo g Alkalde – Maratea. He ran a huge race to chase home Hurricane Fly in The Morgiana Hurdle. He may go
back chasing and his mark over hurdles went up by 8lbs to 145 after his run at Punchestown. He is not going
to be easy to place as he is rated 147 over fences. But he has improved this season and he has the pace for two
miles and he has placed form over two and a half. He could run in some of the better hurdles and chases and
he will have a few entries at Christmas time.
18.
Mikael D’Haguenet
9yo g Lavirco – Fleur D’Haguenet. He has come back well this season and he ran a fine race when third to
Hurricane Fly in The Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown. I’d imagine that we’ll keep him over hurdles and he
does stay well, so he’ll have a few options at Christmas time.
19.
Moyle Park
5yo g Flemensfirth – Lovely Present. He was an expensive purchase last season and he looked a promising
horse for us, when he won last season’s Land Rover Bumper. He opened his account over timber in good
style, when he won his maiden hurdle at Navan and he should come on a good bit for that. I’d say he’d have
preferred a stronger pace and I am not sure yet whether he wants further, but his next run will tell us more. He
will have an entry in The Grade 1 Paddy Power Future Champions Novice Hurdle.
20.
Rubi Ball
8yo g Network – Hygie. He is a very exciting recruit to the yard and he has some very good from in his native
France. He has already earned nearly two million euro in prize money. He handles very deep ground and he
came to us with a very good reputation. He is a horse that we like, but we are still finding our way with him.
He does stay very well and is a triple Grade 1 winner in France. He was a little disappointing at Thurles but
at this stage of his career he probably wants softer ground and might be better going left handed. It’s possible
that he will go for the Lexus Chase.
21.
Sir Des Champs
7yo g Robin Des Champs – Liste En Tete. We had high hopes for him last season but the ground went against
us in The Cheltenham Gold Cup, but he still ran a fantastic race to finish second to Bobs Worth. He rounded
off his campaign when he won The Punchestown Gold Cup. This season will be geared around another crack
at The Cheltenham Gold Cup. He will start back in the John Durkan Chase and depending on how that goes,
there is every chance that he’ll run The Lexus Chase at Leopardstown. He looks great and I have been very
happy with his work.
22.
Twinlight
6yo g Muhtathir – Fairlight. He has developed into a very capable two mile chaser. He was a useful novice
last season and he goes well with a cut in the ground. He won a handicap chase at last season’s Punchestown
Festival off 146 and he now races off a career high mark of 157, as he won a nice chase over two miles at Naas
 
Interesting analysis of Mullins novice chasers from oddschecker

With that in mind I trawled through the 4 level weights novice chases, with a particular focus on the Mullins, Henderson and Nicholls camps and the leading owners. One thing jumped out - almost everybody I’ve heard discuss Champagne Fever assumes he’s going for the Arkle. He’s won the Bumper and the Supreme, both over 2m, he’s going to drop down to 2m at Christmas, so why wouldn’t he go for the prestigious Arkle rather than the Jewson?

Willie Mullins doesn’t think like that. In the ongoing saga of Quevega continually running in the Mares race rather than the World Hurdle, (for which she’d have been a short priced favourite last season), Willie has consistently said that it’s so hard to win a race at the Festival, you don’t throw winning chances away to target a harder race.

Whatever you think of that philosophy, it’s how the Closutton machine works – so we shouldn’t assume Champagne Fever will be aimed at the Arkle just because it’s the more prestigious race. The Festival Bumper and a soft ground Supreme are more of a test of stamina than a good ground Arkle, and 2m might not be his trip at this stage anyway.

So how might Mullins shuffle his pack? Looking at the markets, Mullins’ big guns are perceived to be Champagne Fever, Felix Yonger, Inish Island and Ballycasey, (Champagne Fever and Ballycasey are both owned by Rich Ricci.) It’s worth noting that the Wylie’s, who own Felix Yonger, don’t look to have another obvious Grade 1 novice chaser at this stage, (unless the Nicholls trained Black River bounces back from his fall at Newbury and proves himself up to Grade 1 class.)

Looking at Mullins stable tour in the Racing Post, other novice chasers who might have Grade 1 aspirations include Blood Cotil, Djakadam, Dogora & Touch The Eden who are all owned by Rich Ricci. Mozoltov is owned by Gigginstown. Mullins also has Suntiep, Tennis Cap and The Papparazi Kid, (who are all owned by those unlikely to have Grade 1 novices to keep apart.)

Obviously loads will change between now and March. However, at the moment it’s only a dozen horses to consider so we ought to be able to put them in some sort of order. If the markets are right about the four big guns, then Inish Island and Ballycasey look the likely horses for the RSA. That would leave Champagne Fever and Felix Yonger for the Arkle and Jewson in whatever order.

Of the other 8, Tennis Cap looks interesting and might be a genuine 2 miler so could be an Arkle horse. He came out the best horse at the weights when 2nd in the County Hurdle off 141 and his front running style might make him hard to catch over the minimum trip, but he likes testing ground so might not go to Cheltenham if the ground is decent.

Mozoltov was 3rd to Champagne Fever in the 2012 Punchestown Bumper but ran only twice last season winning a maiden and a Grade 2 from Don Cossack. Mullins is talking about him being a stayer. Where he runs will depend as much on Gigginstown’s other runners as Willie’s. Suntiep is apparently being lined up as Patrick’s mount in the 4miler.

It’s always hard to guess which horses have been treated very gently over hurdles, and will improve massively for a switch to fences, but my guess is that The Paparrazi Kid and Touch The Eden won’t be Grade 1 horses. The trio of Ricci’s juveniles from last season are harder to assess, but it’s really hard to win Festival novice chases with 5 year olds since the weight for age allowances were virtually abolished, so I’d want to see something exceptional from one to consider backing it.

On that basis my Mullins shortlist for the Festival novice chases is: Arkle: Champagne Fever, Felix Yonger & Tennis Cap Jewson: Champagne Fever, Felix Yonger & Mozoltov RSA: Ballycasey, Inish Island & Mozoltov 4 miler: Suntiep

If you think further ahead, what will be the plan for Champagne Fever in open company next season? Assuming nothing happens to Sprinter Sacre, can you see Willie running what might then be his best chaser for place money in the Champion Chase? Can you see him targeting the Ryanair Chase? Willie Mullins knows his stable is at its zenith and the next few years are his chance to win the Gold Cup. Make no mistake, that’s the race he wants Champagne Fever to run in next season.

Before the Jewson existed, horses like Kicking King and War Of Attrition ran in the Arkle as novices to keep them away from the rigours of the RSA. Even top class horses like them weren’t quick enough, as the Arkle is such a test of speed. The existence of the Jewson creates a perfect intermediate step for a fast novice, with realistic Gold Cup aspirations the following season, (Mullins took that route with Sir Des Champs).

With Felix Yonger beating the highly touted Defy Logic, Mullins decided to bypass the Drinmore (2m4f) and keep him at 2m. I think Mullins’ current plan is to aim Felix Yonger at the Arkle and Champagne Fever at the Jewson. That plan will be fluid, but if I’m right the markets are wrong.

The Jewson is a difficult race for ante-post punters as most of the possible runners could also run in the Arkle or RSA so its even harder to be confident your horse will run. Champagne Fever is only 8/1 in any case and whilst he obviously could go off very short if he runs, if there was a Dynaste in the field like last year then he might not shorten as much. It’s hard to see 8/1 as great value. By contrast, 16/1 for Felix Yonger to win the Arkle looks fantastic value if you think he’ll run and Champagne Fever won’t.
 
From ATR youtube channel

 
Wonder if Willie is getting some of his handicapped with these runs in England ? The two that ran at Kempton didn't look like best he has ...and one over wrong trip ?
 
Willie must nor want to train for Giggy anymore ( is O'Learys wife big ?)

Willie Mullins trains Don Poli and he said: "The extra trip helped him. He's a very laid back type and he had the scope to take the last hurdle very well.

"He's every bit a chaser in the making. Hopefully we'll be able to win another novice hurdle but chaser is written all over him.

"I was joking with Wendy (O'Leary, Eddie's wife) that if she ever wanted to make a comeback to the saddle this would be the ideal horse as he's a bus."
 
I sit out the first at Punchestown tomorrow and then get going abaord Wicklow Brave in a novice hurdle for Willie Mullins.

He won three bumpers and then took his maiden hurdle with lots in hand at Cork. That was an ordinary contest at Cork, but what was encouraging was the manner in which he handled the ground.

We are a little in the dark at Willie’s about Wicklow Brave, we just don’t know how good he is. But if he is to have pretensions to be winning at the spring festivals then he’d want to be winning this.

Willie runs three in the qualifier for the Pertemps handicap hurdle and I’m on Clonard Lad. I’ve discarded Un Beau Roman, who got very tired at Leopardstown. I couldn’t do the weight on Up The Beat, but it is a big ask anyway to think he could win after an absence of 689 days.

In contrast Clonard Lad will arrive in good shape. I will more than likely put up 2lbs overweight, which isn’t much of a concern.

He was beaten into second by The Game Changer at Punchestown, but that was over two miles and he is crying out for three.

Clonard Lad doesn’t want ground as heavy as it is going to be, but I’ll be disappointed if he doesn’t go close all of the same.

Then it is arguably my best ride of the weekend, Arvika Ligeonniere, in a Grade 2 chase. This is a good little race, with the ratings revealing there isn’t much between all four runners.

Arvika could only manage third to Benefficient and Hidden Cyclone at Leopardstown at Christmas, when I didn’t make enough use of him.

I sat in to get him to jump straight, travelling left-handed, and he failed to quicken appreciably in the straight.

This fellow is not a hold-up horse, he’s a galloper. But Special Tiara and Rathlin like to bowl along as well, so that’s going to make it interesting.

That said, Arvika is three from three over fences at Punchestown, he also won over hurdles there, and is in great form.

Willie throws three darts at the board in the Grand National trial, Popcorn, Uncle Junior and Are Ya Right Chief. I’m on Popcorn, who ran no sort of race on his return from a break at Navan. He should have been buzzy and keen, but was the exact opposite. I’d say if Willie gets any of the three into the first three he will be more than satisfied.

I have to end with the mighty Hurricane Fly. Given how badly he worked on the lead in to the Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown last Sunday, I was more than happy with his display.

For instance had he jumped the final flight as well as Our Conor he would have won far more comfortably. I’m well aware the proximity of Captain Cee Bee does little for the form of the race.

But Captain Cee Bee had his own way in front and I didn’t take a lot of notice of him, basically concentrating on the two who were behind me.

There hasn’t been a bother on Hurricane Fly this week, he looks terrific and has been cantering away.
 
1h302s.jpg
 
Press Day at Mullisn today @billesdaile tweeted this ...

He wasn't being drawn on much at the bar last night - only three of his have their Festival targets set in stone at this stage apparently.

They being Vautour (Supreme), Hurricane Fly (Champion) and Quevega (Mares Hurdle).

I asked him whether Faugheen had a definitive target yet and he smiled and said he had a pretty good idea in his own mind but nothing more.

He did stress that if he clearly nominated races he would incur the wrath of punters and media if switching targets late on.

Using Faugheen as an example he mentioned that if, for some reason, Vautour didn't make the Supreme, he could seriously look at that race

Some of press team including @AlyRowell are riding out @ Mullins' this am. He looked at me & said he's a brand new tractor for me to sit on!

First sight of the day is Ruby riding Champagne Fever - he's alive and well... that's Champagne Fever of course

First suggestion that Faugheen is Neptune bound as Mullins admits its his most likely target. 'Can be a bit fresh so 3 miles could stretch',

Quevega given a couple of easy days pic.twitter.com/8uhj7wkbP3

Felix Yonger pic.twitter.com/LnmPMlPiGe

Vautour nearest us pic.twitter.com/l1MajY0GvM

Mullins imagines this year's team would be bigger than ever - 'more quality than ever'

Very pleased with the way things are going - no coughs or colds

Cheltenham team on their way to the stream pic.twitter.com/EP2iMpysGd

Ruby Walsh on Champagne Fever post stream walk pic.twitter.com/Ne4UgNz6Fw

Mullins watches on as team exit the stream pic.twitter.com/o5MV0S4bkD

Quevega had a couple of days off because she was a little stiff - no worries though as well ahead of schedule

Hurricane Fly still won last time on the back of an easy time at home. He looked beat turning in but still one going away.I've been saying all the way along I think he could be better this year.
Not worried by lack of pace in Champion Hurdle. Looked so good when he came in after the summer

In De Sceaux is a young talent I'd like to look after - he could be the future.Not been properly tested in grade one company yet Un De Sceaux gallops on his own at home. Young horse who is the future. Looks well today but could look to next year rather than Cheltenham. Lucky I have a bunch of owners who are lucky to let me make the decisions

Annie Power being prepared for Cheltenham - all 3 races! Things will fall into place at the last minute. Hard horses to beat in all 3 races. I bought Annie Power as a chaser - depends what she does in next 2 races Annie Power decision will be made very late

Faugheen looking at the Neptune I was discussing Faugheen with Ruby - we've changed his feed routine last night.

Most of team ahead of schedule Vautour, Wicklow Brave and V Lido all on course for the Supreme
Sure Reef looks like he stays all day and improving Vautour looks like a big chaser - his jumping is better than others

Lorry on route to Punchestown - 'the day job' pic.twitter.com/pVT7F3ztSq

Champagne Fever - it's falling Arkle way! He disappointed us before and comes right at Cheltenham. His jumping is good. On Champagne Fever: Horses for courses. Hopefully be back on 'A' game at Cheltenham. His style of racing is why we're going that way.

Briar Hill will probably go for the Albert Bartlett I've given Briar Hill time and we need to put some work into him. He's visually not impressive at home.


Ballycasey heading to RSA - looks ideal 3 mile chaser

Ivan Grozny - intended run in Triumph all year now rethink. Gitain Des Burlais will now head to Triumph.

I wasn't happy with Quevega recently, but she's fine now and we're ahead of schedule
'I keep saying to my son Patrick about the quality we have - this is not normal. We enjoy it and I'm not taking it for granted'.

I don't feel pressure from owners - I feel it from my own expectations. The feel of failure is huge. If one or two big guns don't fire...

My expectations for 2014 - I hope Quevega wins. I hope Hurricane Fly wins.

Avika Ligeonnaire heading to Champion Chase and going to try something different - dont ask me what that is though!

Boston Bob - still in both GC and WH. Not sure, run last day suggests dont go either.

Felix Younger goes JLT

Black Hercules will go Bumper - we could run both

Sure Reef could stay at home

Rupert Lamb could go Grand Annual
 
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Sure Reef info WTF ?

"Sure Reef looks like he'll stay all day and would either go for the Neptune or the longer race."
 
Mullins counts down to The Festival

19th February 2014 - Ireland's champion Jump trainer Willie Mullins today paraded his strongest-ever Cheltenham Festival team at his Closutton Stables in County Carlow.

Mullins is likely to field over 40 runners over The Festival's four days (Tuesday, March 11 to Friday, March 14), including favourites for many of the meeting's feature events.

But, although Hurricane Fly is on target to bid for a third Stan James Champion Hurdle, Mullins has still to decide whether he will be joined by stablemates Annie Power and Un De Sceaux.

"Hurricane Fly came in very strong after a summer at grass and you don't expect a horse to improve at his age (10)," said Mullins. "I'd like him to win again at Cheltenham for the horse's sake, he deserves it. He missed two Cheltenhams and then wasn't right the year he got beaten.

"This fellow has great fight and aggression, they are the qualities that make him stand out.

"Annie Power is in good form and I'm just preparing her for Cheltenham like all the other horses. It will be at the last minute when we decide who goes where. We have to consider things like whether she's ever met a real Champion Hurdle horse and the fact that she has done well every time we have done a longer trip.

"She was highly strung when with Jim Bolger but has settled down now. She seems to have taken her travelling over to England well and I hope it hasn't taken a lot out of her.

"We have to look at what else is in the races and hope everything falls into place at the last minute. At the moment, there are four or five who will be hard to beat in the Champion Hurdle, one or two in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle and one in the OLBG Mares' Hurdle.

"Un De Sceaux looks well but going over two miles on that ground at that pace at Gowran at the weekend could have taken a lot out of him. He's a young talent that I don't want to abuse. He's done everything we've asked but we've found races for him where he could show his talents without coming under pressure. He's not run in a Grade One and Saturday's race was really only a Grade Two in name. It could be difficult to throw him in the Champion Hurdle but we'll see how things play out in the next three weeks. He looks like a huge talent.

"I haven't looked at the opposition too much, I haven't really seen the English trials - I just concentrate on getting mine there.

"The decision on Annie Power will be very late. I'm looking at her and Un De Sceaux as the future and Hurricane Fly is the present."

Quevega is set to bid for an unprecedented sixth consecutive victory in the OLBG Mares' Hurdle on Tuesday, March 11 and Mullins added: "I wasn't happy with her so gave her a couple of days off, which I could afford to do because we have time to spare. But I've been happy again in the last few days. She's just gone from strength to strength and we put everything into getting her right for Cheltenham.

"My owners don't want to breed from her, they want to race. As a trainer I find it as personally satisfying as anything to produce a horse to go back there year after year. When they have ability, you mind that ability and pick the races."

Mullins has an outstanding bunch of novice hurdlers and he is set to field three strong contenders in the opening Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle on Tuesday, March 11 while Faugheen is on course for the Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle on Wednesday, March 12.

"Vautour, Wicklow Brave and Valseur Lido are the three for the Supreme Novices'. Vautour's jumping is very good, which is the key to the Supreme. He's different from last year's winner Champagne Fever, who is a lean racing machine. Vautour is more of a strong three-mile chaser. He was not as visually impressive as he might have been last time but Champagne Fever disappointed last year on his run before Cheltenham. Valseur Lido is fine and I think Wicklow Brave could really improve on the ground at Cheltenham. He definitely has the ability but his jumping is the thing that could let him down.

"With Faugheen we are looking at the Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle at the moment. But he could run in any three of the novice races, with the amount of ability he has. He had three runs (this season) and I didn't feel the need to run him again. I've actually been a little disappointed with him recently but changed his feed routine last night so hopefully that will help him. He's fit and ready to run, he won't need a lot more work."

Mullins' novice chase team includes Champagne Fever, who is being aimed at the Racing Post Arkle Chase on Tuesday, March 11.

"Champagne Fever is heading to the Arkle at the moment but I could still change my mind. I think he'll be back on his A-game this year. To make a mistake jumping is not like him and his style of jumping is the reason we are going for the Arkle. The Gold Cup in the future is where we are aiming with him and Ruby (Walsh) has the same objective. It would be nice if he was the first Weatherbys Champion Bumper winner to win the Gold Cup.

"Ballycasey looks a staying sort. Someone wrote that he doesn't get three miles but if you look back there were reasons that he was beaten when trying that trip. He's bred to be a three-mile chaser and, after his Leopardstown win, he is likely to go for the RSA Chase (Wednesday, March 12), although he is in the four-miler.

"The ground is the key to Felix Yonger and the JLT Novices' Chase (Thursday, March 13) looks the target for him."

Mullins' four-year-old hurdlers include Ivan Grozny and Gitane Du Berlais, who were both left in the JCB Triumph Hurdle (Friday, March 14) at Tuesday's scratchings stage.

"Ivan Grozny is not going to be good enough with his rating for the JCB Triumph Hurdle and possibly too good for the Fred Winter. But after his run the last day I think we will focus more on the Fred Winter (Wednesday, March 12).

"Gitane Du Berlais will definitely go for the Triumph although my owner would not be worried if she didn't go to Cheltenham. She is very much next year's filly and is a real talent that is going to improve. I love the way she is going and who knows what could happen if she got soft ground in the Triumph."

One-time Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup hopes Sir Des Champs and Rubi Ball are sidelined with injury, although Arvika Ligeonniere is on course for the BetVictor Queen Mother Champion Chase on Wednesday, March 12.

"It was hugely disappointing to lose our Gold Cup horses and Arvika Ligeonniere is most likely to go to the Champion Chase. We're thinking of doing one or two things differently this year with him, just simple things."

Mullins will be bidding for a ninth success in the Weatherbys Champion Bumper (Wednesday, March 12) and added: "Black Hercules looks likely to go for the Weatherbys Champion Bumper and the same owner has Shaneshill and we could run both. I'll have a chat with Mr (Graham) Wylie."

Reflecting on his team, Mullins said: "This is out of this world stuff and I think the same every day I go to the gallops. I'm not taking it for granted and we enjoy it. But everyone has expectations as a result and I know we could go there and not have any winners. People expect us to have winners but I know that three out of every four bankers don't win.

"I hope that Hurricane Fly and Quevega win, that would be huge, and then hopefully there might be another one somewhere along the way."
 
another Mullins Video - could be 50 horses going

 
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