David Mullins can see Irish trainers winning every single race on the final day of the Cheltenham Festival.
Here's his thoughts on the seven races:
Triumph Hurdle 13:30 – Blood Destiny
This race looks like another one destined to go back to Willie Mullins’ yard and I think Blood Destiny could take stopping for Patrick.
This horse comes in fresher than the others and has been brilliantly impressive on his last two starts. Last time in particular he looked very strong when beating Common Practice and Nusret, with the latter boosting that form since. Paul has picked Lossiemouth which I understand, but Blood Destiny’s freshness means I’ve swayed towards him and he may end up favourite with the best betting sites.
County Hurdle 14:10 – Winter Fog
Winter Fog is my fancy in this very competitive handicap hurdle despite how high in the handicap he is after a brilliant performance last time at Leopardstown.
I bought this horse for Emmet Mullins in 2021 and he went close several times over a longer trip. However, it does appear that he is better over shorter and last time he was spectacular when hammering a competitive handicap hurdle on his first start since moving to Willie Mullins. He can go very well here under Kieran Callaghan who is great value for his seven pound claim.
Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle 14:50 – Shanbally Kid
This years Albert Bartlett is a really competitive race, but Shanbally Kid is still improving and looks a bit overpriced here.
Last time out he won very well at Navan and that form was massively franked next time when the runner up that day, Monty’s Star, won afterwards. He has class, stays well, and should go close in this race.
Cheltenham Gold Cup 15:30 – Galopin Des Champs
I really do believe that Galopin Des Champs is the best horse in the 2023 Cheltenham Gold Cup and should take a lot of stopping.
He came into this season with stamina doubts, but I do feel that he put that to bed last time when hitting the line very hard in the Irish Gold Cup. On ability alone I think he is a good bit clear here and they all have it to do to get past him.
Open Hunters’ Chase 16:10 – Its On The Line
This is a really competitive renewal, but Its On The Line looks very interesting here.
Its On The Line has been improving with each start since moving to Emmet Mullins and has looked impressive when winning his point to points on his last two starts. Derek O’Connor is an absolutely fantastic jockey booking and he looks a big price here.
Mares Chase 16:50 – Impervious
The Mares Chase is obviously a relatively new race at the festival, but this looks a cracking renewal of it.
Allegorie De Vassey looks like going off favourite here, and while she is definitely talented I would have my doubts about her jumping around a course like Cheltenham. Impervious’ form looks extremely strong and she should go very well for Colm Murphy and Brian Hayes, who is a very good jockey.
Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle 17:30 – Imagine
This is a handicap for conditional jockeys so it’s always a great race to watch where one young pilot fulfils their dreams. I think Imagine can go very well here.
After winning on his first start this season Imagine has run some huge races in defeat behind very good horses such as Inothewayurthinkin, Hercule Du Seuil and Hunters Yarn. That is all very strong form and I think he can definitely improve here. Ben Harvey is a very good young jockey and they can go very well here.
