The world of racing was shocked by the news that Gigginstown Stud removed all 60 horses from the yard of Willie Mullins yesterday over what was suggested was a disagreement over the trainer raising his fees. Mullins had seven Cheltenham Festival winners earlier in the year but not one for Michael O'Leary's Gigginstown operation although he did have a number run very well.
Mullins saddled eight Festival winners in 2015 (4 in 2014 and 5 in 2015) but how many races do you think he will win in March 2017? BetVictor make 6 or more 10/11 and five or fewer 10/11; a fascinating market.
There is rain forecast overnight at Warwick but not enough, I hope, to alter the ground significantly from the description given out on Wednesday of good. I was really taken by the performance of Peter The Mayo Man (2.00) at Worcester earlier in the month and he is taken to follow up although he is one who would certainly not want significant rain.
Both Ready Token and Benzel were found gilt-edged opportunities last time and they have been raised 12 and 8lbs respectively; they could follow up but Velator (4.10) ran well at Stratford last time and is 2lbs lower. The selection hasn't won for a couple of years but has run well in defeat on more than one occasion and gets the vote for Neil Mulholland.
All eyes will be on Willie Mullins at Clonmel but he can have a winner courtesy of New Kid In Town (4.05) who appreciated the decent ground when allowed to bowl along in front at Killarney last time. Ruby Walsh takes over and I would hope he would adopt similar tactics on the 7-year-old who must have decent ground to be at his most effective.
Not For You (4.35) got going too late when runner up under his amateur rider last time over the minimum trip and today's slight step up in trip will help with Davy Russell back in the saddle. Do note, however, if there is a market move in the first-time hood for Fairy Island in the silks of JP McManus who has often hinted that he could win a race or two over fences.
There's a good card at Newcastle on their tapeta surface and Zymran (2.10) can take the opener for Jamie Spencer and David Simcock. The form of the selection's Yarmouth win was given a boost when the runner up subsequently won at Goodwood and a 5lb rise might not be enough to stop him doubling up.
The same trainer/jockey combination will be odds on to follow up in the 7f juvenile maiden with Sincil Bank who finished first past the post over C&D on debut but was disqualified for interfering with the runner up. Back in third staying on nicely was Suspect Package (2.40) and it might be significant that James Fanshawe decides to take on the Simcock horse again.
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