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The fog surrounding Willie Mullins’ novice plans began to lift on Thursday as the confirmations for day two of the Cheltenham Festival were released, with the most significant news centering on the enigmatic Mighty Park.
The 38-length Fairyhouse winner, who has been the subject of more “will-he-won’t-he” speculation than a soap opera wedding, was not among the 33 left in the Turners Novices’ Hurdle. By process of elimination and much to the relief of ante-post punters, he is now firmly on track for the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle on Tuesday.
With Mighty Park sticking to the minimum trip, the Supreme market has contracted further. The gelding is now a general 4-1 second favourite behind Old Park Star. Whether he has the raw speed to match his undisputed engine on the Old Course remains the talking point of the previews, but Mullins clearly feels the two-mile route is the path of least resistance for a horse who essentially galloped his rivals into submission on debut.
While the novices provide the intrigue, the BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase provides the star power, even if the luster has been slightly dimmed by the absence of Marine Nationale. Following the news of the latter’s sore neck earlier this week, 13 horses stood their ground at the latest stage.
Majborough, winner of the Triumph Hurdle in 2024, is now the short-priced 4-5 favourite to provide Willie Mullins with further championship glory. After a disjointed campaign over fences last term, his demolition of the Dublin Chase field in cheekpieces suggests he is a far more finished article this year.
Nicky Henderson will look to spoil the party with Jonbon, who heads a British challenge that also includes Dan Skelton’s L’Eau du Sud and Evan Williams’ Libberty Hunter. However, with Majborough appearing to have ironed out the jumping frailties that cost him in last year’s Arkle, he looks the one they all have to beat.
Away from the confirmation stages, the sentiment of the week was captured by Envoi Allen, with connections confirming the popular veteran is ready for a final “swansong” in the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup.
At the other end of the market, there has been a notable move for the defending champion Inothewayurthinkin. Despite a season that has been more “stop” than “go,” including a heavy fall at the Dublin Racing Festival, the money has started to arrive. Gavin Cromwell’s star has shortened to 7-1 from 18-1 in some places, as reports of his sparkling home work begin to circulate through the grapevine.
