Willie Mullins column: Weekend runners & Dublin Racing Festival preview

By Willie Mullins

Horse Racing

Sat February 03, 2024 · 9M ago

The champion trainer guides us through his star-studded team for the opening day of the 2024 Dublin Racing Festival.

Leopardstown, Saturday

3.35 - Galopin Des Champs

Galopin Des Champs³⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 11-10| J: P Townend| T: W P Mullins| OR: 180| CD

1/3

He was very good in the Savills Chase over Christmas and let’s hope he can replicate that performance on Saturday. It’s a tough race but with a clear round he looks the one to beat.

3.35 - I Am Maximus

I Am Maximus³⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 11-10| J: J S McGarvey| T: W P Mullins| OR: 158

14/1

He has to improve a huge amount to get near the front two in this, but it will be more valuable experience for him moving forward.

4.10 - Henn See

Henn See^t1³⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 10-2| J: M J M O'Sullivan| T: W P Mullins| OR: 123| BF| D

11/2

I love horses down towards the bottom of the weights in races like this and we have a good jockey booking in Mikey O’Sullivan. Off this weight he has every chance. A higher-quality race where they go a stronger pace might suit him.

4.40 - My Great Mate

My Great Mate¹¹⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 12-0| J: Mr T Costello| T: W P Mullins| OR: -| D

50/1

It’s not often you see a Cheltenham and Punchestown Grade One bumper winner returning to bumpers but A Dream To Share is and he’s clearly going to be very hard to beat.

My Great Mate is two from three in bumpers and Tom Costello rides. He might find the trip a little sharp for him, but has to take his chance and we’ll find out whether we go across the water with him or stick to more local tracks.

4.40 - You Oughta Know

You Oughta Know¹⁸¹

Age: 6| Weight: 12-0| J: Miss J Townend| T: W P Mullins| OR: -| D

15/2

Jody Townend rides and he has good summer form. I want to give him the chance to prove he’s a good horse and he’ll be given that on Saturday. I’m very happy with his homework. His form has worked out well, but summer and winter form can be very different, and it will depend on how he handles the ground. I’m happy he’s progressing nicely.

4.40 - Hens Tooth

Hens Tooth³⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 11-11| J: Mr C Mullins| T: W P Mullins| OR: -| D

40/1

Ridden by Charlie Mullins and was very impressive on heavy ground at Christmas but I’m a little concerned about the drying surface for him.

4.40 - Joystick

Joystick³⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 11-11| J: Mr Pat Taaffe| T: W P Mullins| OR: -| C

18/1

Pat Taaffe rides this one and he won well over Christmas but is coming back in trip two miles from two-and-a-half and looks a horse that gallops rather than has a lot of speed. He’ll like the ground though.

4.40 - Redemption Day

Redemption Day³⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 11-11| J: Mr P W Mullins| T: W P Mullins| OR: 126| BF| CD

7/2

Going on last year’s form and with the run under his belt this term, I think he could be the one to give the favourite most to do and Patrick has elected to ride him.

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