‘I’d expect him to be hard to beat’ – Patrick Mullins gives his Cheltenham best bet

Patrick Mullins is one of the best amateur jockeys around and he’s also a key cog in the wheel at Closutton. Mullins is known for being a shrewd judge and therefore someone worth listening to. He recently gave his best bet for the Cheltenham Festival and the horse in question is definitely one to look out for. Why not check out our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.

‘I’m a massive fan’

Fact To File was recently confirmed to be heading for the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase as opposed to the shorter option over 2m4f. It’s fair to say that this horse excites Patrick Mullins and he believes Fact To File could go to the very top next year. Mullins said: “I’m a massive Fact To File fan. He got beat by a fast Flat-bred horse in the Champion Bumper last year, and a trip and fences were always going to be his game. He’s a beautiful horse to ride, big and comfortable, settled and sensible, with a high cruising speed and a change of gear. I’d expect him to be hard to beat and I really hope he can get to the Gold Cup next year.”

Outsider to watch

A potential runner in the Ryanair Chase has caught Mullins’ eye and is currently available at a decent price. Appreciate It could be heading for the Grade 1 chase and Mullins believes he can surprise a few. The jockey said: “I’m a believer in Appreciate It. He ran an absolute cracker in the John Durkan and split the two best staying chasers on our islands. He didn’t stay in the Savills and probably felt the effects of that in the Kinloch Brae. I think the Ryanair will suit him perfectly and with no standout horse – albeit Banbridge is a formidable opponent – I think he can outrun his odds.”

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