MULLINS UP FOR DUBLIN RAID
GALOPIN DES CHAMPS will spearhead a formidable team for Willie Mullins at this weekend’s Dublin Racing Festival.
The Cheltenham Gold Cup hero bounced back to his best with a scintillating performance in the Savills Chase over Christmas.
He will be joined by the likes of State Man, El Fabiolo and a whole host of promising novices at the two-day meeting.
Mullins said: “He (Galopin Des Champs) is all set for it and he’s going to work tomorrow or the next day.
“We’re happy, there is no reason that we’re not happy at the moment.”
Mullins and Paul Townend continued their run of form with a double at Punchestown yesterday.
The Closutton handler has been firing on all cylinders since the turn of the year, with his latest brace meaning he has now trained 39 winners in January.
Anotherway bolted up in the opening Get Best Odds Guaranteed At Bet Victor Maiden Hurdle. The five-year-old was the 8-15 favourite and justified his cramped odds with a comfortable 12-length success.
Coral cut Anotherway to 33-1 from 100-1 for the Supreme
Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham, but Mullins indicated he could well step up in distance if he does make the trip to the Cotswolds.
Mullins and Townend doubled up in the Group Ticket Deal At Festival 2024 (C & G) Maiden Hurdle with the similarly promising Billericay Dickie (8-11 favourite).
Another recruit from the French Flat scene, the five-year-old cruised to the front under a motionless Townend before kicking 11 lengths clear.
Mullins added: “I was delighted with that. I didn’t think he’d go on that ground, but Paul said he handled it well.”