Today’s best bets, by Chris Cook
You may be familiar with how much personal authority Willie Mullins has at his County Carlow yard but it was entertaining, as he gave evidence as a witness to a hearing at the British Horseracing Authority yesterday, to hear him speak about how few people get a look in on his decision-making process.
At one point, it was suggested to him that his vet, Tim Brennan, was the one who decided which day Faugheen should come back into training after sustaining a leg injury in the 2016 Irish Champion Hurdle.
“I would dispute that,” the great trainer responded, gently but firmly. “I’d say I decided the horse was going to work when he worked.
“To get him ready for his race in Cheltenham, I wanted him to work then. I felt that was as much time as I could give him.
“It would be the other way around, that I told [Brennan] we would start back with Faugheen on the Monday. A vet’s word is not law, in my book. It’s just an opinion.”
Mullins had made it clear earlier that he never discusses running plans for his horses with a vet. In fact, it seems there are very few people he would ever discuss plans with and he named those few as Ruby Walsh, David Casey and his son, Patrick.
“Would you ever involve your owners in those discussions?” Mullins was asked. “Very seldom,” he replied. “We have an overall plan for each horse for the year but how he gets to those big meetings is usually my decision.”
The regulatory hearing, in which Brennan denies passing inside information to his brother, continues on Tuesday. There is no suggestion of wrongdoing against Mullins. My report on day one is here.
Chris Gordon is the trainer who will get the credit if tonight’s nap does the business. Bugsie Malone (8.20) is a chaser in a novice hurdle but, as a good-ground horse, he does not lack speed and ran well over hurdles in the autumn. At 9-4, I think he’ll cope better than The Devils Drop, who achieved little against three rivals last time, and Cuirassier Dempire, whose hurdles record is weak and who hasn’t been seen since October.
Burren View Lady (3.50) could be worth a look at 7-2 at Chelmsford, having stayed on into fourth on her debut for Joe Tuite. She was previously in Ireland and fared reasonably well but gets a better opportunity here.
At Beverley, Mightaswellsmile (2.30) tries again over the course and distance that saw her finish third last time, her best run in ages. Her rating has come down by more than a stone since April last year and she looks ready to score.
Beverley 2.00 Northern Lass 2.30 Mightaswellsmile 3.00 Sir Domino 3.30 Altra Vita 4.00 Hitman 4.30 Tight Lines 5.00 Johni Boxit 5.30 Island Song
Bath 2.10 Hallingham 2.40 All Back To Mine 3.10 Monumental Man 3.40 Show Stealer 4.10 Rebel Streak 4.40 High Wells
Chelmsford 2.20 Sacred Path 2.50 Awalii 3.20 Quiet Endeavour 3.50 Burren View Lady (nb) 4.20 Harbour Storm 4.50 Cape Icon 5.20 Plentyinthetanksir
Worcester 5.50 Golden Vision 6.20 Jacks Last Hope 6.50 Ennistown 7.20 Intifadah 7.50 Passing Call 8.20 Bugsie Malone (nap) 8.50 G For Ginger
Thirsk 6.10 Sweet Lady Rose 6.40 Seebring 7.10 Canadian George 7.40 Sparkalex 8.10 Make Me 8.40 Arabian Jazz 9.10 Saved By The Bell
Tips by Chris Cook
