Willie Mullins reckons this year's team of horses he has brought over might be his best ever at the Cheltenham Festival.
The Mullins string were out on the gallops this morning, stretching their legs on the gallops - and Mullins had nothing but praise for them.
The Irish champion trainer has three runners sitting as favourites out of the seven races in today's racing at present - with Appreciate It, Honeysuckle and Concertista.
Later in the week, Mullins also has Chacun Pour Soi - a hot favourite in the Champion Chase - and Al Boum Photo, seeking to make it a hat-trick of Gold Cup's.
The legendary trainer is hoping his fleet can sparkle and show similar form as they have done over the winter.
Speak on ITV Racing's The Opening Show this morning, he said: "I think we have brought an extraordinary team of horses over here.
He said: "If you said to me last October that we would have a team like this, I'd say you were mental.
"Over Christmas, they seemed to shine and hopefully they do the same today and it wasn’t a fluke.
"The rain has made the track so soft and Appreciate It has been doing everything right."
One of those riding out for Willie Mullins this morning was a Cheltenham great, Ruby Walsh.
Walsh gave an insight into the feeling around the Mullins camp and the mood amongst the jockeys.
"Everyone is excited but it’s so quiet here and there is so little atmosphere here," he added.
"I was talking to Paul Townend and Rachael Blackmore this morning and it’s still so big for them.
"It is Cheltenham, it is where you are judged and dictates the season. These horses are primed and ready to go and hopefully Willie can get a bit of luck."
