‘Willie’s here to spoil the party’ – Mullins sends 11-2 lone raider to Cheltenham 👀

We’re used to the legions of Mullins machines invading Cheltenham during the Festival but he’s a bit more selective during the rest of the season. Therefore, it could be significant that he sends just one to Prestbury Park on Sunday. The horse in question runs in the feature race of the day, the Greatwood Handicap Hurdle. A prestigious and valuable race, Willie Mullins is looking to spoil the party and plunder the majority of the £100,000 prize. Ireland’s finest trainer is looking to become just the second winning handler from the Emerald Isle in a decade. Check out our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.

2.55 Cheltenham

Dads Lad (11-2, William Hill) is the horse in question and won here at Cheltenham back in October. That win came over fences where he beat a fellow Irish raider by three-quarters-of-a-length. The front two finished 12 lengths clear of the rest in a dominant display from the Irish. Returning to hurdles could be a shrewd move as his rating is 7lb lower over the smaller obstacles than the mark he won off last time.

A prolific winner, he has won two hurdle races, three chases and even a maiden on the flat. His last hurdles run at Listowel in September signified a return to some sort of form when finishing fifth in a Grade B. He had disappointed at Fairyhouse, Punchestown and Ballinrobe before that.

Despite his chase record being better, he gives the impression that he has a big prize in him over hurdles. Can still be considered unexposed having had just eight hurdles starts and may well have some surprises for the handicapper.

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