BALLYBURN has been smashed up in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle betting – but Patrick Mullins reckons the horse would be better over further.
The top amateur jockey, and right-hand man to his all-conquering dad Willie, rode the exciting six-year-old to win a couple of bumpers last season.
PABallyburn is clear favourite for the 2m Supreme but Mullins reckons a step up in trip for the Baring Bingham might bring about even more improvement[/caption]
And he has been almost flawless since going hurdling under Paul Townend, breezing to a couple of bloodless wins over two miles and two and a half.
Ballyburn, co-owned by football agent David Manasseh, is undoubtedly one of the most promising young horses heading to this year’s Festival but, as ever, Willie has been coy about his target.
Many assume he will head a two-pronged attack on the Supreme, for which he is a top-price even-money with Coral, alongside Annie Power’s son, Mystical Power.
But Willie admitted the Baring Bingham over five furlongs further would be more suitable on breeding, and he is available at 7-2 for the longer race.
And Patrick – who sadly lost beloved gran and racing legend Maureen – muddied the waters even further when asked which race he would go for if it were up to him.
He said: “I never had him down as a two-miler, he has a sixth gear but in his bumpers it took a good 30 seconds for it to really kick in and then he took off.
“I’ve always loved him, he gave me a great feel in his bumpers and you can just feel he has a big engine inside by the way he eats up the ground with his big stride.
“We saw Ruby do it on Vautour and others in the Supreme, bouncing out and going a good gallop from the front, and if he did that he might be hard to catch.
“I’m not sure which way Willie is leaning but it’s not a straightforward decision.
“Of course, he could still win a Supreme, but I’ve always thought he would massively improve when stepped up in trip for something like the Baring Bingham.”
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