Willie Mullins’ star sparkled in a facile victory at Gowran Park.
Benie Des Dieux has been cut significantly in two Cheltenham ante-post markets following her spectacular reappearance at Gowran Park.
Previously the 13/8 favourite for the Mares’ Hurdle, she was promptly cut to as short as 8/11, with evens the best price remaining.
The 2018 Mares’ Hurdle winner broke the hearts of punters when falling at the last in the 2019 renewal, having gone off 10/11 favourite.
Elsewhere, bookmakers dramatically cut her odds on winning the Stayers’ Hurdle from 11/1 into as short as 2/1, and a best price of 6/1.
This comes following comments from Willie Mullins after the race, suggesting a shoot-out with Paisley Park in the Stayers’ could be on the cards. The legendary Irish trainer also heaped praise on Benie Des Dieux, saying “She could be better than any mare I’ve trained”.
Coming off a 250-day break, Willie Mullins’ nine-year-old beat nearest rival Penhill by a massive 21-lengths to win the Grade 2 Galmoy Hurdle at Gowran Park.
The race had been billed as a clash between Benie Des Dieux and the highly-rated Apple’s Jade, but last year’s beaten Champion Hurdle favourite was sadly pulled up.
Oddschecker spokesperson Callum Wilson: “Willie Mullins was overflowing with praise for Benie Des Dieux after her incredible return to action at Gowran Park.
The sky appears to be the limit for the nine-year-old, and while a duel with Paisley Park would be ambitious, it sounds like there’s every possibility she goes for it.”
