13:20
Cheltenham
Odds correct as of 2:39pm 08th Mar
Willie Mullins is the man that the bookies fear at the Cheltenham Festival, especially on Day 1. He almost always has a strong hand to play on the first day and it’s likely to be a similar story this time around too. We’ve combined his three best chances into an accumulator and the bookies won’t want it to land. We’ll be providing free tips for every race at the Cheltenham Festival and you can view them here.
The first leg of the big Mullins treble is Mighty Park in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle. Owned by JP McManus this boy has been all the rage in the betting in the past few days and although he only won a maiden hurdle, he beat stablemate Roc Dino by 38 lengths on the day. Roc Dino went on to give El Cairos a real scare next time so on that form alone, Mighty Park could be a beast! Time will tell! He will have to be a beast to topple Old Park Star, that’s for sure.
Although Kargese has a very solid chance in the Arkle, it’s her stablemate Kopek Des Bordes who is at the head of the market. It has been a long time since a 5yo won an Arkle and that’s a negative for main rival Lulamba. Mullins stable star won the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle in style last year and was imperious when winning his sole chase start. His prep for this hasn’t been ideal but horses who go to an Arkle after one chase run that season have a good record.
It’s great to see Lossiemouth run in the Champion Hurdle rather than try land a third Mares’ Hurdle. Although a competitive renewal, it is far from the best standard when a proper 3m horse in The New Lion is the main challenger. He certainly has solid credentials, but if Lossiemouth brings her A-game in first-time cheekpieces, there should only be one winner.