All bases covered as huge team sets sail for Cotswolds
| Published date | 08 March 2023 |
| Publication title | Weekender |
Galopin Des Champs is a warm favourite to win Mullins a third Gold Cup in five years, while the likes of El Fabiolo, Gaillard Du Mesnil, Energumene and Lossiemouth have all had the layers running for cover.
But the champion trainer never takes anything for granted despite his dominance. "There's no given when you go over to Cheltenham, there's absolutely no given," he says. "That's what makes it so special and that's what makes it so hard to win there. You don't go over there thinking you're going to have six, seven or
ten winners or anything like that. I'm always amazed how tough the competition is every year."
That may be the case but the master is around 1-5 to be top trainer and it would take a brave punter to bet against that eventuality as the Closutton team bid to add to the 88 winners already in the record books.
Interestingly, he has nominated Facile Vega in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle as the one to follow, with Stattler his each-way selection in the Gold Cup.
Adamantly Chosen 6 b g Well Chosen - Sher's Adamant He won his first two over fences, including a Grade 3 at Punchestown. His last three runs have all been in Grade 1s and he's finished
second in the last two behind Gerri Colombe and Mighty Potter. He has entries in the Ultima and the Turners.
Appreciate It 9 b g Jeremy - Sainte Baronne He started his novice chase career very well, winning twice, but ran disappointingly last time out in the Irish Arkle when beaten by El Fabiolo. He ran flat but he's nine now and it looks as if he's not as fast as he was, so a step up in trip is what's needed. He's likely to go for the Turners as it's over an extra half-mile, which I hope will suit. Any give in the ground will help him.
Ashroe Diamond 6 b m Walk In The Park - Saine D'Esprit She ran with credit in Grade 1s behind Marine Nationale and Facile Vega before winning a Grade 3 for mares at Fairyhouse last time out, which was the ideal prep heading to the Ryanair Mares' Novices' Hurdle. Ideally I want nice ground for her. It can be difficult for novice mares at the festival, as they can often go off like scalded cats and some of them don't get home. Billaway 11 b g Well Chosen - Taipans Girl He gave us all a great thrill last season when getting up to win the St James's Place Hunters' Chase under a cracking ride from Patrick [Mullins]. This season he's had two runs and is going for a repeat.
Blood Destiny 4 ch g No Risk At All - High Blood He's a very interesting prospect for the Triumph Hurdle having won his two races for us very impressively, particularly last time at Fairyhouse. We didn't run him at the Dublin Racing Festival as it was only three weeks after his previous run and that would have been a big ask for a youngster. Having missed that race, he'll be going over next week a much fresher horse. I think he's very good.
Blue Lord 8 b g Blue Bresil - Lorette His build-up to Cheltenham had gone very well until last time when he was beaten by Gentleman De Mee. He was very impressive in a Grade 1 at Leopardstown over Christmas and I
thought he would take a lot of beating in the Dublin Chase but he was firmly put in his place. That was disappointing but, now Allaho misses the Ryanair Chase, we'll give him serious consideration for that.
Brandy Love 7 b m Jet Away - Bambootcha She's a classy mare as she showed when winning a Grade 1 at Fairyhouse from Love Envoi last April. We were very happy with her recent reappearance at Punchestown and she should improve a huge amount for it. She's in good shape now and is in the Mares' Hurdle, which looks a warm race now that Epatante and Honeysuckle are due to go for it. You don't often get two Champion Hurdle winners contesting a race like this.
Chacun Pour Soi 11 b g Policy Maker - Kruscyna He has always been a favourite of mine and has done us proud with eight wins, six of them in Grade 1s, but at Cheltenham he's had two runs without winning. We were unlucky with him three years ago as he was in top form and had to be taken out of the Champion Chase hours before the race. He has finished third in his two runs this season and has entries in the Champion Chase, Ryanair and Stayers' Hurdle. The plan is to take him over for one of those. Champ Kiely 7 b g Ocovango - Cregg So He's not done a lot wrong since joining us, with four wins from five. The defeat was when fourth to Marine Nationale in the Royal Bond at Fairyhouse and that was a good run, only weakening after the last. He won his Grade 1 last
time out when beating Irish Point to take the Lawlor's of Naas in early January. He's improving with every run and at the moment I think he'll be best suited by the Ballymore. Dark Raven 6 br g Malinas - Mary Wilkie He has progressed well, having won both of his bumper starts before making a winning debut over hurdles at...
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