This Willie Mullins Grade 1 winner is a bonkers price for Cheltenham and three eyecatchers for the notebook

3 months ago 39

IT’s safe to say we know more about Cheltenham after the Dublin Racing Festival.

Yes, that man Willie Mullins dominated — but I think one of his Leopardstown Grade 1 winners have been underestimated.

Dancing City emerged as a huge Festival fancy[/caption]

Dancing City is 12-1 for the Albert Bartlett and that’s a bonkers price — let’s have £15 each-way.

We’ll also have £20 win on Jade De Grugy at 3s for the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle with the £50 charity bet Betfair have kindly provided me.

Meanwhile, I think these three eyecatchers from Leopardstown are well worth putting in your notebook…

Conyers Hill was hampered when going well in the 2m hcap hurdle

Panda Boy finished with running left in the 3m handicap hurdle.

And Cool Survivor shaped with real promise over a trip too short in the 2m5f handicap chase.

Of course, in addition to those, it looks like Mullins could have a few go onto win at Cheltenham after last weekend in Dublin.

The great man won all eight of the Grade 1 contests at the Dublin Racing Festival — to put it mildly even Gregg Wallace would have to concede his Saturday was nothing compared to Mullins domination of Leopardstown.

It lacked a bit of excitement for us mere mortals, but let’s find out who will go on to Festival glory next month.

Let’s start with the opening winner DANCING CITY in the staying novices hurdle. An outsider, but the result was in no way a fluke — he goes to the Albert Bartlett with leading claims.

Next up was KARGESE in the Juvenile. She showed a touch of class to come out on top but Sir Gino will surely Triumph.

Marine Nationale fluffed his lines in the Irish Arkle, but take nothing away from IL ETAIT TEMPS’ win. Danny Mullins produced the ride of the season, but he will find one too good next time.

GALOPIN DES CHAMPS put old rival Fastorslow in his place in the Irish Gold Cup — however, I’ve got a funny feeling he may run flat in the one that matters next month.

FACT TO FILE looks top class but we learned little in that two-runner farce against a below par stablemate. He’s talented and connections will surely go for the Turners.

BALLYBURN’s two-mile triumph was one of the performances of the day. He is the big dog in the division — and should win any race he goes for.

Dublin Chase winner EL FABIOLO (left) is a beast — and a banker in the Champion Chase.

And, finally . . . we’re left with eight-time Grade 1 winner STATE MAN. A horse so good, it’s a shame he had to come about at the same time as Constitution Hill.

He could give Hendo’s star his first real battle.