Expectations are sky high for Willie Mullins this year, with a string of betting favourites among his near 40-strong team. Not to heap more pressure on the Carlow-based trainer but The Irish Times is throwing its weight behind Mullins by backing each one of his runners – for charity.
It is not the most sensible way of gambling but it promises to be emotional. Over the last five years, Mullins has sent out at least two winners for a total of 14. However, as a Boylesports analyst points out, "knowing where the profits come from is vital", as Mullins sends out so many runners each year. The bookies chain suggests one area punters should concentrate on is his 5- to 6-year-olds, which returned a record of nine out of 81 since 2008 for a profit of +¤47 to a ¤1 stake. In contrast, his 9-year-old plus contingent drew a blank from 24 attempts.
Every day The Irish Times will stake at least ¤5 on each of Mullins's runners, either win or each way. Irrational exuberance? Yes. But we've big hopes – for now, anyway – with at least 10 of Mullins's 12 runners today fancied to be in the shake-up. Quevega – going for his fifth successive festival win, albeit at unprofitable odds – could provide the icing on the cake.
In Willie we trust.
Willie Mullins'
runners today
1.30
– Un Atout
(7/1),
Champaign Fever (8/1),
Pique Sous (16/1);
2.05
– Arvika Ligeonniere
(8/1), Aupcharlie (25/1), Marito (40/1),
3.20
– Hurricane Fly (15/8);
4.00
– Uncle Junior (7/1), Shakervilz (20/1);
4.40
– Quevega (1/2),
Tarla (14/1),
Zuzka (14/1).
