Willie Mullins is gearing up perhaps the most in-depth squad of talent to cross the Irish Sea to Cheltenham but the champion trainer can hardly be accused of neglecting to keep on top of things at home this weekend.
Up to 40 horses, almost a quarter of them favourites or disputing favouritism, are on target for the festival, including Annie Power who is one of 16 left in Thursday’s Ladbrokes World Hurdle after yesterday’s six-day entry stage.
A remarkable 30 per cent strike rate has characterised Mullins’s unprecedented domination in Ireland this season and he pitches seven horses into this weekend’s action in Ireland with up to four of them looking to hold leading chances.
For most any other trainer the racecourse debut of Tell Us More would focus attention and as it is there will be plenty interest in how Gigginstown Stud’s new purchase fares in the Gowran bumper today.
The ex-Willie Codd trained point-to-point winner, a son of the Leger hero Scorpion, cost almost €350,000 at the sales in Cheltenham in December and is joined by another Gigginstown runner, the four-year-old Altiepix, who won his point-to-point by a distance.
If money talks though, then Tell Us More fairly shouts potential and he can complete a possible hat-trick on the day for his new trainer.
Quel Esprit disappointed at Leopardstown last month but it’s still hard to argue against his claims in the Tetratema Cup while Abbey Lane can make the most of a step up in trip in the Beginners Chase. Lockstockandbarrel should be the one to beat in tomorrow’s Naas bumper.
However, the feature on a card is the €50,000 Woodlands Park Leinster National where conditions look suitable for Folsom Blue than on his last visit to the track.
The three-and-a-half-mile Grand National trial winner was no match for Mozoltov in a Grade Two but is only 7lbs higher in the ratings for what looked an authoritative win at Punchestown before that.
Michael O’Leary is facing into a potentially rewarding Cheltenham but ground conditions could dictate that First Lieutenant and not Last Instalment goes for Gigginstown in the Gold Cup.
Bright New Dawn would have been no hopeless cause in any of the novice chases at the festival but with Dessie Hughes waiting instead for the Powers Gold Cup at Fairyhouse over Easter, the Gigginstown runner lines up instead in tomorrow’s Grade Three novice chase.
On the back of his Grade Two Flyingbolt success, Bright New Dawn has to concede weight all-round but this two and a half mile trip looks perfect for him.
