Four potential Willie Mullins Cheltenham Festival winners we saw over Christmas ⭐

The Christmas period was certainly informative with regards to the strength of Willie Mullins’ string this season. It’s fair to say that his yard is looking at least as powerful as ever, with plenty of impressive winners over the festive period. With this in mind, we’ve picked out four of his most eye-catching scorers that have to have every chance at the Cheltenham Festival in March. Check out our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.

Fact To File

This horse was a mightily impressive winner of a beginners chase at Leopardstown on Thursday. He was probably the second best bumper horse last season and connections have taken the rare decision to skip hurdles and send him straight over fences. His performance made it easy to see why and he has a huge chance at the Festival in March, off the back of that effort.

Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase: 7-1

Turners Novices’ Chase: 14-1

Gaelic Warrior

There’s always a concern about this gelding going left-handed at Cheltenham but he made some smart horses look pretty average in the Grade 1 Faugheen Novice Chase at Limerick. You would imagine he’d have no issues going back up to three miles or staying at around 2m4f. Clearly possessing quite the engine, this is a very talented animal.

Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase: 12-1

Turners Novices’ Chase: 10-1

Galopin Des Champs

The real Galopin Des Champs is back everyone! An impressive winner of the Gold Cup last March, he didn’t quite live up to his own high standards on his next two starts. Mullins’ superstar absolutely demolished the field in the Savills Chase at Leopardstown. He’ll undoubtedly be a frightening proposition when attempting to defend his crown at the Festival.

Cheltenham Gold Cup: 13-8

Ballyburn

This Ronnie Bartlett-owned six-year-old bolted up in a maiden hurdle at Leopardstown on Friday. The commentator remarked that he’d won by half of the straight and he wasn’t far wrong. It’s apparent that the step up in trip was a big help to him, after getting beaten over two miles on his debut over timber. Our first Cheltenham Festival ante-post tip was this horse and we remain full of confidence.

Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle: 13-2

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