‘The money just won’t stop coming’ for Willie Mullins’ major Cheltenham Festival gamble – who’s fav for three races

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BOOKIES say ‘the money just won’t stop coming’ for a Willie Mullins horse who is favourite for three Cheltenham Festival races.

The handicapper has struggled to get a grip on French import Kopeck De Mee.

Snapped up by JP McManus after impressing on the continent, the five-year-old gelding was awarded a rating of 136 when the weights were announced yesterday.

But that could underestimate his ability massively – with ratings boffins restricted on what they could give him on account of the fact he has never raced in Britain or Ireland.

There is no doubt Kopeck De Mee is the Cheltenham Festival plot job.

And given his connections – who also just bought big Champion Bumper hope Aqua Force – don’t get any more powerful it’s no surprise he has been absolutely punted off the boards.

But to be favourite for three races is something special – and bookies are fearing a monster payout wherever he ends up.

The mostly likely destination is the Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle, the final race of the Festival on Friday, March 14.

William Hill were forced to cut Kopeck De Mee to 7-2 from 5-1 for the fiercely competitive finale.

But a tidal wave of cash has come for him in the other races too – and he is sure to prove a popular leg of week-long multiples.

Spokesperson for William Hill, Lee Phelps, said: “We’ve reported how popular Kopeck De Mee has been for Cheltenham already, but now the handicap marks are out, the money just won’t stop coming.

“He’s now a 7-2 shot from 5-1 for the Martin Pipe and is being backed like he’s one of the Irish bankers of the meeting.

“He’s also 5-1 from 6-1 for the William Hill County Hurdle, and should he go there, Martin Pipe backers since January 1st will get their money back thanks to our Non-Runner Money Back concession.”

Kopeck De Mee, who hasn’t raced since May last year, is also 5-1 fav for the Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle.

He has five career runs over hurdles, winning his last three.

The form of his final victory – a four-and-a-half length win over Karam Le Rouge – has been boosted massively.

Prior to being humbled by Kopeck De Mee, Karam Le Rouge beat current Mullins horse Kitzbuhel by a length, giving him 4lbs.

Kitzbuhel is now a Grade 3 winner for Mullins and rated 153 – meaning Kopeck De Mee could be around 20lbs well in.