WILLIE MULLINS officially confirmed Kopek Des Bordes’ Cheltenham target – after removing him from a key race.
The Closutton boss looks to have an absolute monster on his hands in the shape of the odds-on Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle favourite.
But there was a surge of support for him in the Turners Novices’ Hurdle over the 2m5f trip earlier this week.
It led to speculation there could be a trademark last-minute Mullins switcheroo.
But all roads lead to Supreme glory now for the unbeaten Kopek Des Bordes – who could get punters off to a hot start on Tuesday.
Mullins did not include the Grade 1 winner as part of his confirmations for the Turners.
Final Demand owner Bryan Drew said he was considering stepping him up in trip to the Albert Bartlett earlier this week on account of the drying ground.
Punters put two and two together and thought that could lead to Kopek Des Bordes moving up as well, leaving Salvator Mundi as Mullins’ main chance in the Festival opener.
But Mullins has been at pains to point out Kopek Des Bordes’ tendency to be keen – and that the 2m race is ideal for him.
That was backed up in the confirmations, with Final Demand left in the Turners too.
The other Mullins runners to make the cut were: Funiculi Funicula, Inn At The Park, Kaid D’Authie, Kappa Jy Pyke, Karbau, Kel Histoire, Kiss Will, Port Joulain, Sounds Victorious and Supersundae.
Punters will be banking on Mullins to kick off the Festival with two odds-on good things.
After Kopek Des Bordes in the Supreme comes Majborough in the Arkle, who has been left alone at the top of the market after Sir Gino was ruled out.
A lot hinges on where Lossiemouth runs for another possible odds-on hotpot, with owner Rich Ricci doing little to stem talk she could be rerouted to the Mares’ Hurdle at Sun Racing’s Cheltenham Preview night.