Willie Mullins reveals who Paul Townend is leaning towards riding in the Supreme and where Ballyburn will definitely run

WILLIE MULLINS has revealed which horse Paul Townend is likely to ride in the Supreme – and where Ballyburn will run.

The Closutton trainer ended weeks of speculation when telling Sporting Life that Ballyburn will race in the 2m5f Gallagher Novices’ Hurdle.

Mullins has been busy making plans for days one and two of CheltenhamPA:Press Association

The Grade 1 winner was last seen storming home over two miles at last month’s Dublin Racing Festival.

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The time before that he won by 25 lengths in a 2m5f race at Leopardstown.

But despite his keen-going nature, Mullins has settled on the longer race, with the money for the horse on the Betfair Exchange a strong indicator in the days before Mullins made it official.

He said: “Mystical Power will run in the Sky Bet Supreme and Ballyburn, all being well, will run in the Gallagher.”

Mullins also let slip who his No1 jockey Townend will likely ride in the opener.

The 2m hurdle race has been split wide open with Ballyburn’s defection.

It could turn into a straight shoot out between Mystical Power, who has been ridden by Mark Walsh in his two wins over hurdles, and Gordon Elliott’s Firefox.

They are both 3-1 but it looks like Townend will get the leg up on Cheveley Park Stud’s Tullyhill.

The 4-1 chance thrashed No Flies On Him by nine lengths when last seen last month in a Listed hurdle at Punchestown.

Prior to that he won by seven lengths at Naas but was from fluent over his obstacles.

And his debut was a disaster, being pumped 24 lengths by Shannon Royale when sent off 1-8 in a maiden hurdle at Punchestown.

Townend has ridden Tullyhill in all three of his hurdles races and Mullins said: “Paul Townend will probably ride Tullyhill in the Supreme.”

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