The first two races of Cheltenham are dominated by a familiar jockey/trainer partnership...
The two opening races of Cheltenham are now dominated by the trainer and jockey combination of Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh, with Getabird now as short as 11/8 for the Supreme Novices Hurdle and Footpad around even money for the Arkle.
The double is as short as 7/2, and is sure to prove popular with those who have had their coffers filled by the Irish duo in the past.
In 2014 punters nearly landed an almighty blow when a Mullins four-fold on Day One was scuppered as Annie Power fell at the last, in the original ‘Ruby Tuesday’.
This time around the stakes for the bookmakers will not be so high, but it would certainly be first blood to the bettors should Walsh ride the winner in the first two races of the week.
Despite boasting strong favourites in these curtain raisers, Mullins does not travel to Cheltenham with the plethora of superstars that he usually brings with him.
Instead, it is the turn of two others to train the short priced favourites which Mullins needs to beat in some of the other big races of the festival.
Lambourne based Nicky Henderson, Chetenham Festival’s most successful ever trainer, will be hoping odds-on shots Buveur d’Air and Altior can repeat the trick from last year and get home in-front.
Mullins’ compatriot Gordon Elliot has Samcro and Apple’s Jade as his two main hopes, with that double best price 2/1.
Oddschecker spokesperson George Elek: “Every year the public come out in their droves to search for that winning Cheltenham Festival multi.
“None are more obvious that this Mullins double, which would put the bookies on the back foot after just two races.”
