Willie Mullins sends a runner to Newton Abbot for the first time ever on Friday 👀

We’re used to seeing Willie Mullins mop up at the big British tracks, especially Cheltenham. He’s so dominant in Ireland that there’s usually no need to send runners to our smaller courses. This makes the fact that he sends one to Newton Abbot for the first time ever on Friday pretty significant. Mullins was successful with his sole runner at Taunton and will be looking to double his tally in the South West. You can take a look at our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.

4.20 Newton Abbot

Alvaniy (price, bet365) showed plenty of promise in two bumpers for Paul Gammell, especially when second over an extended 2m1f at Ballinrobe in April. Shrewd owner Paul Byrne then snapped him up and sent him to Willie Mullins. Byrne had a winner here earlier this month with the Emmett Mullins-trained Slate Lane and is two from two in the last fortnight. Irish jockey Brian Hayes also makes the trip over, suggesting that they’re definitely here to win.

He may have needed the run on hurdle and stable debut at Galway in August, finishing 20 lengths behind a smart stablemate that day. Much sharper at Galway next time, he got off the mark in good style over an extended two miles. There’s plenty of improvement to come with regards to his jumping and that will sharpen up with experience.

His form suggests that he prefers some cut in the ground and the heavy ground here may well suit. The extended 2m5f here shouldn’t be an issue, despite winning over an extended two miles last time. This gelding is related to a Prix du Cadran winner and his future lies over these sorts of trips.

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