Star columnist Willie Mullins guides us through his team of runners for this weekend and looks back on a few recent performances too.
We had a great day in Clonmel on Thursday, getting a treble on the day. Chapeau De Soleil started it off and he showed us what he’d been showing us at home prior to his first run last season.
If I can keep him in that sort of form, he can go up through the novice ranks. His jumping was excellent except he got a little close to the second-last.
He looks one who could step into Graded company.
Cash Back, at 11 years of age, gave a very dour performance over three miles in bottomless ground and it was great to find a race for him.
Cork, Sunday
Western Diego - 12.45
It’s going to be very testing down in Cork with the current weather and the forecast. Western Diego has a big engine and plenty of stamina, to win over two and a half miles in Naas. However, on his subsequent runs he was very keen and free and we’re bringing him back in trip. If he can reproduce his Naas or his Cheltenham run then he’ll be thereabouts.
Houlanbatordechais - 12.45
He’s had his training troubles and hasn’t appeared on the track since December 2022. He had a run over hurdles at Leopardstown that day, although I’m not sure testing conditions are going to help him here. He might be best watched.
What Path - 13.15
This looks a tight contest over three miles. I’ve no doubt What Path will like the trip but I’m not sure he’s going to really relish this proper winter ground. It’s a good race with Mahon’s Way and a couple of the others. I’ve a small feeling he might want nicer ground but we’ll see.
Hauturiere - 13.45
She will like the ground. I’m a little worried about the trip for her, I feel she might need a longer trip.
Heia - 13.45
Heia has to improve to be competitive. While she has lots of experience, I think the ground might be her undoing. If she can get into the first three it would be a great achievement.
Zenta - 13.45
Zenta makes her chasing debut. It’s going to be very tough as Harmonya Maker won well at Gowran the last day and has that experience. On hurdles ratings, Zenta would have a good chance and she has a four-year-old allowance which is 6lb. She jumps well at home but inexperience could be the problem.
El Fabiolo - 14.15
We’re looking forward to seeing El Fabiolo have his first run in open company. He does have his penalties for winning Grade 1s but I think he’ll like the track and handle the ground. It’s great to get him started for the season here.
Watch our pundits discuss how many nine-darters there will be
Huntingdon, Sunday
Janidil - 13.55
He runs in the Peterborough Chase and his form is good. It’s going to be tough but he’s in good form and I don’t think heavy ground will be a bother to him. We’re looking forward to a really good run over there.
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