Stamina, not just speed, will be key
AYEAR ago, I was the first out on the racecourse at the Festival, though not the first past the post, unfortunately. Magna Cartor, my ride for Shark Hanlon, can get a bit worked up before races so to help him settle, we got him out on the track early for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.
It meant I got the leg up in the chute which leads out on to the course as we kept well away from the distractions of the parade ring.
It is great to be a part of things, even if I have less rides this week than last year. I rode out with the Willie Mullins string yesterday morning. It was grey, misty, with rain in the air, what you’d call a soft morning at home.
We had two lots – I rode Bonbon Au Miel and Voix Du Reve – and the sense of anticipation was evident as it all builds to the drop of the flag today.
Right now, it’s a level playing field, there is no disappointment for anyone. There is much talk about the state of the ground and how it will affect things.
I think you’ll see a different style of racing in the coming days, with jockeys aware that stamina will count as much, if not more, than speed.
In the longer races, horses that stay certainly can’t be discounted. I’m in the Mullins’ camp for the first of 28 races, the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, as Willie has a fantastic record in this race. For me Getabird will take all the beating, while Sharjah will put in a bold showing.
Getabird is unbeaten in four starts and was magnificent in the Moscow Flyer Hurdle last time out, beating Mengli Khan. While the ground is not ideal for Sharjah, at least he gets the best of the fresh turf which is a plus.
Kalashnikov looks to be the biggest danger in the hands of the home side, this could be a massive day for a young, clearly talented trainer, Amy Murphy.
The Arkle may have a small field but it’s a competitive race which could come down to a duel between Footpad and Petit Mouchoir.
A case can be made for Petit Mouchoir after his fine comeback run at Leopardstown but Footpad is three from three over fences and is form is rock-solid. He ticks the boxes and is my nap of the day.
The Champion Hurdle is all about Buveur D’Air, who is favourite to retain his crown. He is the one to beat and Willie’s team will be doing their damnedest to cause an upset.
Willie’s four are all class horses, none more so than Faugheen, who is fitted with cheekpieces to help ignite the engine that lies within. He has the best single piece of hurdle form of any of Willie’s horses this year, I can see him running a very big race, I really hope he does.
For an each-way shout, I like the look of Wicklow Brave, who is unique in that he’s a Classic winner on the flat and a Grade One winner over hurdles.
His last run was in the Melbourne Cup where he ran most creditably to finish 10th to Rekindling.
He’s got a very fine record around Cheltenham and won the County Hurdle under Paul Townend three years ago. On last year’s seventh place finish, he has to find something extra to reverse the form with Buveur D’Air.
But he’s a classy sort and I know Patrick Mullins is looking forward to teaming up with him again.
In the Mares’ Hurdle, it’s hard to look past Apple’s Jade, who is seeking a second straight win in the race. She is only six and could go on to dominate like Quevega.
It won’t be as straightforward as some might imagine today as Benie Des Dieux is an improving sort and gave me a great feel on a Curragh gallop recently.
In the National Hunt Chase, my good friend Lisa O’Neill rides Mossbank; she tasted success in this race last year giving Tiger Roll an absolute peach of a ride.
Mossbank rallied in great style in a Grade Two at Navan over three miles on his last run and could be the one to beat here.