Willie Mullins eyes up tasty double at one of his favourite tracks

Willie Mullins at the 2018 Cheltenham Festival

Willie Mullins had his worst year for quite some time in the 2019-20 season. It was still a fantastic season for the champion trainer, resulting in 186 wins and a strike rate of 23-per-cent. This season has started off in great fashion with 76 winners from his 241 runners saddled to date. That is an incredible 32-per-cent strike rate so nearly one in three win. Tramore is one of his favourite tracks as far as results go. He is operating at a staggering 41-per-cent return at the County Waterford venue and there is a good chance that will get better on Thursday. Two runners go to post for the master of Closutton and both have terrific chances.

12.30 Tramore

A maiden hurdle named in honour of the great Pat Smullen, it is a low standard but interesting affair. Gordon Elliott’s Ennemi Public sets a solid standard and was runner-up at Clonmel when last seen. He has formed a habit of finding one or two too good though and he might run into one again here in CAVALLINO. Running in the familiar Malcolm Denmark colours, this horse was a €58,000 purchase. He was clearly badly in need of some experience when midfield in a Punchestown bumper on debut 43 days ago. The market didn’t speak in his favour on that occasion and much better is expected now.

13.35 Tramore

Willie’s second and final runner on the card is BOHEMIAN BIRCH and it will be a disappointment if she isn’t good enough to win this substandard maiden hurdle. She bumped into a potentially smart horse on debut at Listowel in the shape of Costalotmore when a good third. Off to Sligo she went next where she showed a real liking for the sharp right-handed course to go on and win the bumper comfortably. Like Sligo, Tramore is also a sharp right-handed track so this place will really suit her. We expect a positive front-running display here and she shouldn’t be for catching.