IT’S a day when Willie Mullins will be holding out for a Hero.
And to quote Bonnie Tyler: ‘He’s gotta be strong and he’s gotta be fast and he’s gotta be fresh from the fight’.
High Class Hero might be just that for Willie in the feature at Sandown the Bet365 Gold Cup Handicap Chase at 4.10 — the race which may well decide the 2025 trainers’ championship.
But I just wonder if it might be another of the Closutton army who makes a slice of history in the historic Sandown handicap that most still know as the Whitbread. More of that in a mo.
Willie, of course, is in a smash-up with Dan Skelton. Skelton relies on Hoe Joly Smoke in the big race and could take the prize after a fine victory when last seen at the Esher venue.
Skelton looked to have the title in the bag before Willie went Aintree crazy when he led by a million quid. He will be absolutely gutted if he is pipped at the post.
Willie, though, is on a mission and as I have written before, there is more to this than meets the eye. Last season he achieved what Vincent O’Brien had in 1953-4 when he took the title of British champion trainer back to Closutton.
O’Brien, seen by many as the greatest racehorse handler of all time, also managed to top the table in 1952-3. So, if Willie achieves a second championship it sets him up for an unparalleled hat-trick.
That won’t be lost on a man whose family is steeped in racing history. As for the bet365, I see no reason why last year’s winner MINELLA COCOONER can’t go in again. He powered clear 12 months ago off a mark of 151 and is just 4lb higher today.
He was far from disgraced in the Grand National when last seen, eventually finishing seventh behind stable companion Nick Rockett having disputed third at the last and just weakening close home with a slipping saddle.
Willie also has a great chance of dominating the Grade 2 bet365 Oaksey Chase at 2.25. It will be interesting if one of his runners is sacrificed to pester Pic d’Orhy for the lead to try and muck it up the Paul Nicholls runner. He was brilliant at Ascot under a typically well-judged ride from the front by Harry Cobden.
Yet Willie’s GAELIC WARRIOR was equally superb at Aintree when stepped up to this trip and he’s easily the best on ratings with a mark of 170. Off a strong pace, he could storm home.
The Grade 1 Celebration Chase (3.35) should go to Nicky Henderson’s JONBON. The winner of 18 of his 22 starts is clearly the best on form — five from five here at Sandown — and figures. A victory at Aintree over a bit further last time showed he remains in top form.
Hendo could also take the Grade 2 bet365 Select Hurdle with LUCKY PLACE (3.00). He didn’t see out three miles in the Stayers’ Hurdle at Cheltenham but had every chance to two out.
Also today, Sean Bowen will be crowned champion jockey for the first time. The Welsh wizard was simply brilliant on Booster Bob in the Greatwood Gold Cup — ride of the season that’s no doubt — and was brave from the front when winning Easter Monday’s Irish Grand National on Haiti Coulours.
Well done Sean, a worthy champion. Yeeehaaa!
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chases their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
- Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org
Find our .
