Willie Mullins looks set to become the talking point come the end of play on Day One of the Cheltenham Festival.
Ante-post backers of Willie Mullins’ charge Hurricane Fly rubbed their hands in glee as they watched the price of Ruby Walsh landing his first Champion Hurdle tumble from 5/1 down to 7/2 over the last 24 hours and I’ve a suspicion he may even surpass Menorah and take favouritism prior to 3.20pm Tuesday.
Mullins’ hand on the first day of the Festival has greatly improved following the withdrawal of reigning champion hurdler Binocular, a decision made by connections on Sunday.
So far, the omens look good for Mullins and, in particular, for Hurricane Fly and Quevega – who goes in the David Nicholson Mares’ Hurdle at 4.40pm.
The prolific trainer’s main Champion Hurdle contender looked at ease in a light workout across the small drink this morning (Monday), according to JOE’s Cheltenham-based tipster Niall Cronin, and led a group of 17 Willie Mullins horses in a quick stretch of the legs.
Ruby Walsh rekindles his partnership with Hurricane Fly in search of his first Champion Hurdle success
Although last year’s winner is out of the race, it still looks supremely competitive and who could rule out Irish raider Dunguib, the all-conquering partnership of Nicky Henderson and Barry Geraghty who have a massive talent with Oscar Whisky or the flawless Peddlers Cross from the Donald McCain Jnr yard?
The each-way value on Hurricane Fly is well and truly gone now, however, it remains to be seen if the punters will put their full faith in the best hurdler the Oirish have to offer.
There just doesn’t seem to be anything else in the field good enough to come close to Quevega…
Later on in the day, Mr Mullins will have a serious puss on his face if Quevega can’t come home in front. But she should justify the odds-on favouritism if running true to form and following on from winning this race the last two years in succession. Again, Ruby Walsh will be on board and, after such a lengthy lay-off, you can expect him to be hungrier than ever for glory.
There just doesn’t seem to be anything else in the field good enough to come close to Quevega, who naturally thrives around here. If there was to be a slip-up on her part then watch Banjaxed Girl from the Twiston-Davies father/son team to run a big race. She won here last year, albeit at a meeting a month later, and could be one to spring a surprise.
Mullins has an impressive 17 winners at the Cheltenham Festival thus far. It’s odds-on that he walks away on Friday night in the 20s and two winners on Day One would make that target a formality.
What about the rest of the action?
In the opening race of the Festival, an exciting looking Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, Cue Card is all the rage and trades generally at 2/1.
This, for me, is far too short and I’m inclined to side with Dougie Costelloe’s mount, the aptly named, Recession Proof. He’s really taken to the jumping game after solid career foundations on the flat. It would be a welcome shock if any Irish runner could pop up and, if you want to remain patriotic, it’s best have a small each-way bet on Dermot Weld’s Hidden Universe.
In the second, the Irish Independent Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase, it’s wide open. Noel Meade’s Realt Dubh will give his all and is each-way value at 8/1.
Opposing Finian’s Rainbow is a smart move, I reckon, as his recent form is far too flattering and no test has been truly testing to date.
The third race is a pin-sticker and you think that’s just what I’ve gone and done by tipping Exmoor Ranger but I beg of you to sit up and take note. At 25/1 Victor Dartnall’s nine-year-old must be one of the unluckiest horses around.
Brought down here at Cheltenham 12 months ago and unseated Denis O’Regan when going well last time out at Warwick. A nice slice of luck and we could have the day more than covered.
The Cross Country Chase is always eagerly anticipated by racing fans and although majority will stay in tune with the Enda Bolger army including strong chances L’Ami and Garde Champetre, I’m sticking with last year’s winner A New Story. Here‘s why.
It’s best watch the betting for the last race of the day at 5.15pm for guidance and if there’s any squeak of support for the Gigginstown House Stud runner Tharawaat, then I’ll be diving in.
JOE will be tracking all the action from Cheltenham as it happens on Tuesday from 1pm.
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