1-2 for Willie

Gauloise

Willie Mullins:

We have three runners in the 2m 5f handicap chase. Asterion Forlonge (Bryan Cooper) has top-weight for his first run in a handicap chase. We have a good record with top-weights in this race and this fellow likes the track. We are putting a tongue tie back on him here and he should run a nice race. Antey (Danny) has been disappointing all season and it will be great if he can get into a place on a track he likes. Fan De Blues (Brian Hayes) is still a maiden over fences but jumps well and has plenty of experience. It wouldn’t be a surprise if he upset the odds off his light weight.

We also have three in the mares’ handicap chase over 2m 5f. Salsaretta (Danny) pulled up in the Irish National and will be suited by all the watering. However, she would have to come back to her best to have any chance today. Augusta Gold (Brian Hayes) ran okay in the Irish National and that form gives him a chance here. He could be each-way material. Contingency (Bryan Cooper) is returning after a very long break and we will be happy if he comes home safe and sound.

Sharjah (Patrick) goes for the Grade 1 Champion Hurdle over 2 miles. He was second to Honeysuckle in the Cheltenham equivalent and it is hard to see him turning the form around here. It would be a great result if he finishes second again.

We run three in the Grade 1 Champion Novice Hurdle over 2m 4f. Gaillard Du Mesnil (Paul) has a difficult task to try and turn around Cheltenham form with Bob Olinger who beat him by over seven lengths in the Ballymore. However, he came out of the Cheltenham race well and looks the most likely one in this field to put it up to the favourite. Realistically our other two runners are running for place money. Ganapathi (Bryan Cooper) found the trip too sharp in the County Hurdle but that experience will help him here. N’golo (Danny) ran too free in the Albert Bartlett but a change of tactics here might enable him to get a good share of the prize money.

Billaway (Patrick) runs in the Champion Hunters Chase over 3 miles. He has had a busy season and had a hard race at Aintree last time. If the Aintree race hasn’t left too much of an impact he should go very close today.

We have five runners in the 2 mile conditions novice hurdle and this race will give us a good steer as to where we go with them next season. El Barra (Sean O’Keeffe) had been a bit disappointing until winning at Fairyhouse last time and his future may lie over fences. He has a good each-way chance here. Elite Charboniere (Brian Hayes) won easily at Leopardstown last time but that form doesn’t look good enough to win here. Grand Bornand (Danny) was hampered when finishing last behind Echoes In Ran last time. He is better than he has shown on the track and hopefully different tactics today will get him into the first four. If M C Muldoon (Patrick) improves his jumping he could give the favourite a run for his money. He will improve a lot on drier ground. Wearapinkribbon (Bryan Cooper) is coming back after a long break and we will be happy if he runs well and returns sound.

M C Muldoon was 2nd to Echo's of Rain lol ... I guess this will be more suitable for him

Muldoon now 9/4 .. I am sitting on 7/2 so lets hope it means something for once

If I was the owner I'd be seething that Townend wasn't on it.

Jeff Kidder smashes them.

Purposely did Kennedy around the bend, won him the race. If the interference was after the last he'd be thrown out.

I have backed Willie's Mare Klassy @ 9/2 17:4

Seems good value for one of his and Willie says she has a good chance

First time this season Brian Hayes can spend a Sat night with Rachel and feel like the man...

yummy carrots!

damn not even Mullins can rescue me today

19 Mullins winners. I hope they were all tested.