Willie Mullins’ horse Ballyburn backed for next race at Christmas which could confirm Cheltenham Festival target
WILLIE MULLINS' all-conquering superstar Ballyburn has been backed for what could be his next race at Christmas.
The Closutton trainer was adamant last season's Ballymore winner wouldn't head to Limerick on December 28 for the Faugheen Novice Chase.
But Ballyburn has been clipped from 6-4 into as short as evens, according to Oddschecker, for the 2m3f Grade 1 won last year by Gaelic Warrior.
THE SUN RACING MEMBERS ENCLOSURE
The only place to get Templegate's tips first - and at the best prices - is by joining Sun Racing's brilliant Members Enclosure.
Sign up now for just £1* to be part of racing's best winning team and get...
- Four free racing tickets, four times a year - worth £300
- Templegate’s daily tips at the BEST prices before anyone else
- Exclusive access to Templegate's daily NAP
- Tomorrow’s copy of The Favourite at 9pm today
- Exclusive insights from top trainer Ben Pauling
- VIP competitions from Racing Breaks each month
- New customer offer with Coral
Become a member today for just £1*
*For the first month then £3 per month thereafter.
18+ Ts and Cs apply. First month membership £1, then £3 per month unless you cancel at least 7 days before your next billing date. For more information contact help@mcb777.fun
Rich Ricci's star went onto win the 2m Arkle at the Festival and Ballyburn is still favourite for that race.
But potentially running for a second time over the intermediate trip after his successful chasing debut last month hints Mullins might be yet to make up his mind on Ballyburn's future target.
And he does remain the 5-1 favourite for the 3m Brown Advisory Novice Chase at the Festival.
Cheltenham bosses scrapped the 2m4f Grade 1 Turners Novice Chase as part of sweeping reforms for next year's four-day meeting.
Ballyburn's options were complicated further when stablemate Majborough - who won last season's Triumph - made a 'spectacular' chasing debut last weekend.
The JP McManus-owned four-year-old produced an exceptional round of jumping over 2m at Fairyhouse.
His 'electrifying' gave a score of 9.4 out of ten - by some way the best of all the novice chasers seen so far this season.
For comparison, second-best Touch Me Not has recorded 8.7 while Grade 1-winning L'Eau Du Sud has clocked 8.4.
Meanwhile, poor old Ballyburn, who jumped adequately but not with much exuberance on his debut over fences, was a lowly 6.7 when measured.
The RaceiQ data takes into account entry and exit speeds from jumps, time spent in the jumping envelope (30m before and after the fence) plus speed recovery time.
Some think Ballyburn, with his jumping style, would benefit from stepping up in trip, although the decision will probably come down to who Mullins has in each of the Cheltenham races.
He might want a stronger hand in the Arkle, where he looks set to take on the likes of Nicky Henderson's Sir Gino, Dan Skelton's L'Eau Du Sud and Henry de Bromhead's Inthepocket.
Mullins also has multiple Grade 1 winner Dancing City for the 3m contest, as well as 16-1 chances Impaire Et Passe and Ile Atlantique.
FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org.
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chases their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
- Gamcare –
- Gamble Aware –
Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.