WILLIE MULLINS has entered a JP McManus-owned horse who ‘could be anything’ as part of his ten-strong team for a Cheltenham Festival race.
The Closutton boss is armed and ready to unload his team of girls in the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle.
Mullins has not won the Grade 2 since claiming five in a row from 2016.
Among his squad entered this year is Maughreen, who’s 5-2 favourite with some bookies for the 2m contest.
But a load of lesser-known names – one of which in particular punters think ‘could be anything’ – also made the cut yesterday.
Five-year-old Kom Tu Voudras finished third on her only racecourse start.
Trained previously by French handler Daniela Mela, Kom Tu Voudras was last off the bridle in a 1m4f Flat contest.
Full of running at the end, she finished third without ever being asked too much of a question.
Giving the impression there is way more to come, Kom Tu Voudras moved to Mullins at the start of the season.
She is yet to run for him but an entry in a Festival race suggests she could be showing plenty at home.
And bookies are taking no chances, quoting her just 20-1 despite never seeing her jump in public.
Mullins has two of the top three in the betting with his other JP-owned runner Karoline Banbou a general 8-1 chance.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”Willie Mullins lost for words as Ruby Walsh presents ‘Manager of the Year’ award ” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6366059540112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]The one it looks they all have to beat, though, is Gavin Cromwell’s Sixandahalf.
She was backed into favouritism for last season’s Cesarewitch at Newmarket before being pulled out on the morning of the race.
The five-year-old thrashed Mullins’ Kimi De Mai 16 lengths when last seen in a Fairyhouse maiden hurdle last month.
Willie Mullins’ Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle entries
Aurora Vega
Baby Kate
Fancy Girl
Karamoja
Karoline Banbou
Kimi De Mai
Kom Tu Voudras
Magic McColgan
Maughreen
Venusienne