‘He’s one I’ve been looking forward to’ – Willie Mullins’ dark horses to follow

It’s stable tour season and Willie Mullins’ came out in the racing post this week. As expected, he has a formidable squad to go to war with this season and an abundance of stars. He picked out five dark horses to follow so you might want to add them to your trackers. Take a look at our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.

Fun Fun Fun

This mare was progressive over fences last term and managed to win three times, including a Grade 3 at Limerick. Her trainer said: “She took very well to fences last season, winning three of her four chases, and she did the job nicely for us at Perth. She would look a Mares’ Chase candidate and we’ll go down that direction this season.”

Gameofinches

Things didn’t go to plan in the Champion Bumper but he looked good when winning at Punchestown before that. Willie Mullins said: “My inclination is to send him straight over fences and not mess around over hurdles. He’s a gorgeous, big horse and chasing is his game anyway. He’s one I’ve been looking forward to going chasing with for a while.”

Narciso Has

Mullins has had a bit of a stranglehold on the Triumph in recent seasons and this French import is expected to thrive in the juvenile division. The trainer said: “The form of his win at Auteuil in April looks good as the second that day has won since. He looks the part at home, so hopefully he can progress into a live Triumph Hurdle candidate.”

Place De La Nation

Highly tried as a juvenile last term, there should be plenty of options to her this season. Mullins said: “She wasn’t beaten far in the Triumph Hurdle when fifth to Poniros and she’s still a novice for this season, which is an added bonus. I imagine she’ll be a live one for the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at the festival in March.”

Proactif

French import Proactif has been purchased by JP McManus and he won impressively at Auteuil in September. He could be one to watch and Mullins added: “As he’s already won in France we’ll have to start him off in a Graded juvenile hurdle. Hopefully, he can prove himself to be a Triumph Hurdle horse.”

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