- State Man is the favorite to revenue from Constitution Hill’s absence
- Willie Mullins has six of the market leaders in seven races at Cheltenham
- Mullins winners are assured over the following 4 days however nothing comes straightforward
There is a transparent divide when a short-priced favorite gallops out on to the course at Cheltenham — one aspect can be firmly with it, the opposite can be glad to take a stand.
Plenty of you’ll have a place on State Man, the 1-3 favorite to revenue from Constitution Hill’s absence within the Unibet Champion Hurdle (3.30pm), and Lossiemouth, who takes to the stage 40 minutes later within the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle.
It works out that you’d roughly double your cash in the event that they each win. Some will see that as a threat, that the worth is simply too brief, however a phrase of warning for anybody desirous to tackle these two favourites, on a day when Willie Mullins has six of the market leaders in seven races.
My esteemed Sporting Life colleague Graham Cunningham supplied me with an unbelievable statistic — from the final eight Cheltenham hotpots that Mullins has saddled beginning 6-4 or shorter on the prime degree, seven have gained. An unbelievable file.
The one to get beat? Galopin Des Champs, remarkably, when he tripped up on the final fence two years in the past with the Turners’ Novices Chase at his mercy. When Mullins goals a giant gun on the goal, he hardly ever misses. State Man and Lossiemouth can be unstoppable.
Willie Mullins winners are assured this week however nothing comes straightforward at Cheltenham
Tullyhill can get Mullins off to a flyer within the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle on Tuesday
This may very well be an extended, powerful week for the bookmakers.
It all kicks off with the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (1.30), which gave Willie his first Cheltenham Festival winner as a coach when Tourist Attraction obliged at 25-1 — 29 years and 6 extra Supreme wins later, I believe his ninety fifth Cheltenham success will arrive on this race with Tullyhill.
Carrying the distinct red-and-white colors of Cheveley Park Stud, Tullyhill has at all times been effectively regarded however has solely come good of late, along with his efficiency at Punchestown final month promoting his class. Tullyhill will go from the entrance and won’t see one other rival.
His fundamental hazard can be his stable-mate Mystical Power, owned by JP McManus — who has an fascinating second string to his bow within the type of the unbeaten Nicky Henderson-trained Jeriko Du Reponet.
Mystical Power is bred within the purple however has been a gradual burner at residence and on the observe. Don’t panic if he’s a bit sticky early on as a result of if he’s nonetheless with them turning for residence, his dad and mom’ after-burners (Galileo and Annie Power) will kick in and he’ll have an incredible probability. That’s a giant ‘if’, although, and Tullyhill appears the safer choice.
The Arkle (2.10) additionally lacks a stand-out and may very well be ripe for an upset so maintain stakes to a minimal.
I had dinner with Henry de Bromhead and Rachael Blackmore final week and so they maintain Quilixios in excessive regard.
Henry de Bromhead and Rachael Blackmore maintain Quilixios (pictured) in excessive regard
The Goffer appears rock stable and it will likely be a shock if he would not end contained in the top-four within the Ultima Handicap Chase
Everyone is anticipating an Irish onslaught this week, which suggests a number of the Brits may very well be good worth. JPR One is a terrific jumper for Joe Tizzard and may run a giant race. However, Quilixios has Festival kind within the e book and I’m anticipating the De Bromhead crew to have a giant week.
The one — and solely — race the Irish have a dismal file in is the Ultima Handicap Chase (2.50). They’ve not gained it since 2006 and are winless from their final 38 runners. However, they’ve a really robust hand this 12 months with final 12 months’s fourth, The Goffer, and Meetingofthewaters, who’s being talked up as a future Gold Cup horse.
The Goffer appears rock stable, skilled particularly for this and I’d be amazed if he’s out of the primary 4.
Then it’s time sit again and benefit from the Willie Mullins Show within the Champion and Mares’ Hurdle. Brilliance — sure. Dull — by no means. I learn with curiosity on these pages lately a remark from Lucinda Russell saying the way it was as much as different trainers to lift their recreation to attempt to beat the principle man.
Yes, Mullins winners are assured within the subsequent 4 days however don’t suppose it’s going to develop into predictable. This is Cheltenham. Nothing comes straightforward right here.
Ed Chamberlin is an envoy for Sky Bet