Willie Mullins column: Return of Min and Chacun Pour Soi

Delighted with Fairyhouse winners

We had a good weekend at Fairyhouse last week with three wins and some respectable performances in defeat.

I was very pleased with CONCERTISTA in the Grade 2 Mares Hurdle. She gave Paul Townend a great feel the whole way around and I think his body language told us how well she was going. We’d have to be very happy with that.

I’d imagine she’ll go to Leopardstown at Christmas, as could MONKFISH who won in style on his chasing debut. He looked a natural over fences, born for the game. It was a hugely impressive debut.

HOOK UP strengthened up during the enforced and extended Covid-19 break in the summer and that showed in her maiden hurdle. She did it the hard way in a good time, galloping out all the way to the end.

I’m not sure we got our tactics right with N’GOLO in the Royal Bond, but we learnt a good bit there. I’d be happy we can improve him with different tactics next time and he’s another who we could see over the festive period, the same comment applying to all of those just mentioned.

It was great to see racegoers return to some of the tracks in England this week.

The authorities over here have been doing a great job keeping racing going over with our excellent prize money and I’m sure they’re working all the time at getting owners – and the public – back to the tracks.

However, it won’t be easy in the short-term with the more conservative mind-set in Ireland.

Sky Bet boost: Chacun Pour Soi & Min both to win - now 5/1

Sunday runners - Punchestown

Ruaille Buaille, Power Of Pause – 12.35

Power Of Pause was very brave to win in heavy ground at Clonmel over almost two-and-a-half miles and I think dropping back in trip will suit him. Even though he’s won a point-to-point I think he’s sharp enough to be at the business end of this race on ground that might not be as testing.

Ruaille Buaille was disappointing last time. We’ll give her another chance and see how she goes. If she runs well we might keep her going, and if she doesn’t we’ll put her away for a spring/summer campaign.

Finest Evermore – 1.10

She’s been very good and has been improving with each run. There’s more improvement in her, she’ll like the track and the trip I think. It’s a tidy little race with Skyace and Carrigeen Lotus in it, but we’re happy with our filly.

Allaho, Melon, Min, Tornado Flyer – 1.40

It’s getting closer to Christmas and there are few opportunities for them so I’ve ended up declaring four for the Grade One John Durkan Memorial Chase.

Min looks the pick and with Paul going to Cork, Patrick rides Min. He likes this track and he’s won this race twice and hopefully he’ll put on a show. However, I do think it’s a more competitive race this year.

Allaho comes back to two-and-a-half and we’ll see how he goes over this trip. He’s in good form.

Melon ran very well at Cheltenham where he was just touched off. He was only beaten a nose and I do think he could well be better than his official rating. We’ll see what happens on Sunday but he could go up in trip after this.

It will be tough for Tornado Flyer to be competitive against these, but it gives him the chance to improve.

Aslukwoodhaveit – 3.40

He’s a nice type of horse by Yorgunnabelucky. We’re looking forward to getting him out but this could be a hot little bumper with some likely types on paper. It’s a good starting point for him.

Sunday runners - Cork

Elite Charboniere – 12.52

He’s first reserve in division two of the maiden hurdle and is a nice type but might want better ground. I would like to get him out and get him running if we get the opportunity.

Chacun Pour Soi, Cash Back – 1.25

Paul has gone to Cork to ride Chacun Pour Soi in the Grade 2 Kerry Group Hilly Way Chase. He’s one of the best horses we’ve got running this weekend so he was keen to stay with him.

There looks a lot of front-runners in here so it’s going to be a tough two miles, but we know he goes very well fresh and he’s in good form at home.

Hopefully Cash Back will pay more attention after his fall at Naas. He’s schooled well at home since, actually, he schooled well before Naas, but he’s a horse that wants to get on with things and we won’t be trying to curb that.

Sapphire Lady – 1.55

She’s going up in grade a bit but she’s a mare that’s entitled to take her chance. The way she skipped around Thurles you’d be hopeful she’d improve enough to gain some valuable black type. She surprised us a bit at Thurles and it’ll be tough for her, but hopefully she can improve.