Willie Mullins assistant trainer David Casey assesses the key Closutton runners on day one of the Cheltenham Festival and offers his thoughts and opinions. “Casey was speaking to BOYLE Sports, who offer the latest Cheltenham odds”
Supreme Novices’ Hurdle
Leader d’Allier (10/1) was very disappointing at Christmas but he improved hugely to win at Punchestown, while Mighty Park (11/2) was very impressive when he won at Fairyhouse.
So, we have chances going into the race. I think we’ve got some nice horses going in there but it looks like a really deep Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at the moment.
Old Park Star impressive and he looks a fine specimen of a horse. He’s been impressive in what he’s done so far. And obviously, Nicky [Henderson] knows what it takes to win a Supreme and he’s bullish about him. So, you’ve got to have a huge respect for it.
Arkle Novices’ Chase
The fact that Kopek Des Bordes (11/8) has only had one run, means he’s lacking the experience of somebody other runners in the race. It’s not ideal, but it is what it is. It’s the cards we’ve been dealt.
Ability wise, I think he’s bang up there – he doesn’t lack for anything ability wise.
Ideally you would have preferred a little more experience, but that’s what we have. He’s in great order.
Champion Hurdle
Lossiemouth (7/4) was very good at the first two runs of the season and with those runs you’d probably be looking at a Champion Hurdle. She was disappointing the last time behind Brighterdaysahead and on that form, you’d be saying, maybe not.
What do we think? We can have her much better. She didn’t show up on the day. We think we can have her much better than that.
