Willie Mullins mindgames with Gordon Elliott begin as punters back Closutton trainer to deliver at Naas

11 months ago 70

WILLIE MULLINS bingo has started early this year as the Closutton maestro bids for more Grade 1 glory at Naas.

Money poured in for Chapeau De Soleil ahead of the Sunday’s Lawlor’s of Naas on Thursday with stablemate Ile Atlantique trending in the opposite direction.

Willie Mullins bingo has begun with jockey bookings for Sunday’s Lawlor’s Of Naas[/caption]

That was until the jockey declarations on Friday morning, with Paul Townend booked to ride Ile Atlantique and Patrick Mullins aboard Chapeau De Soleil.

The money has now returned for Ile Atlantique, but the Mullins pair are still behind Gordon Elliott’s 9-4 favourite Firefox in the market.

Punters have now made the race a match, with Ile Atlantique at 11-4 and Chapeau De Soleil back at 5-1.

On paper, it’s far more competitive race than it seems and you can get the lowdown on all the runners below.

Lawlor’s Of Naas runner-by-runner guide

1. AN TOBAR (Rachael Blackmore, Henry De Bromhead)

Wide-margin point winner impressed on hurdling debut. Looked in need of further when second to a smart one last time and is a dangerous each-way option.

2. CHAPEAU DE SOLEIL (Patrick Mullins, Willie Mullins)

Smart bumper horse did everything right when making a winning hurdling debut. Others have more substance to their form but he could be anything.

3. CROKE PARK (Sam Ewing, Gordon Elliott)

Cost £400,000 and showed a very willing attitude to remain unbeaten in a Navan Grade 3 last month. Should have more to offer and wouldn’t be a surprise winner.

4. FIREFOX (Jack Kennedy, Gordon Elliott)

Beat Ile Atlantique in a bumper and has won his two hurdling starts with the minimum of fuss. He jumps very slickly and stamina won’t be an issue either, making him the one to beat.

5. ILL ATLANTIQUE (Paul Townend, Willie Mullins)

No match for Firefox in a bumper but looks better over hurdles judged on his impressive debut win. Will likely lead and could take some pegging back if left alone.

6. LECKY WATSON (Danny Mullins, Willie Mullins)

Smart bumper horse whose jumping has been rather suspect so far. It cost him in a weaker race than this last time and he’s down the pecking order.

7. MYSTICAL POWER (Mark Walsh, Willie Mullins)

Easily won a bumper and a start over hurdles so far. The form looks just okay and his jumping wasn’t great either. Looks to have plenty to find against these.

8. READIN TOMMY WRONG (Daryl Jacob, Willie Mullins)

Unbeaten in two bumpers but only scrambled in to make a winning hurdling debut. Could leave that behind but would need too and is difficult to recommend.