WE think there is a ripping Yarn to be told in the Arkle.
Today, and probably for most of this week, the name on everybody’s lips is a certain Willie Mullins.
GettyState Man has the Champion Hurdle in his back pocket[/caption]
We all know his eight-time Grade 1 hero STATE MAN (3.30) will win the Champion Hurdle. It’s just a question of how far.
And judging by his performances to date, probably not as far as he should.
He only puts in what he can get out of his races but is clear on Timeform ratings at 178, with Irish Point next in at 174.
Nemean Lion and Not So Sleepy are 165. Odds of 4-11 State Man tell you all you need to know.
Stablemate HUNTERS YARN (2.10) represents a better betting opportunity at around 11-2.
He would be two from two over fences had he not come down at the last on chasing debut at Fairyhouse.
He was impressive when making amends back there last time.
He tops Timeform’s ratings and has the small ‘p’ attached to his 172 rating to show he hasn’t finished imp-roving. Gaelic Warrior is on 171 — but Hunters Yarn appears to have more scope.
Mullins isn’t the only Irish trainer who looks set for a profitable opening day. Indeed, he’s not the only one from his family who can.
Nephew Emmet Mullins can win the National Hunt Chase with CORBETTS CROSS (5.30) who is preferred to his uncle’s Embassy Gardens.
Corbetts Cross’ best effort over fences came when runner-up in Grade 1 company at Leopardstown over the Christmas period.
There will be more to come from him over fences and he can make his class tell.
Ireland has won the last six runnings of the Boodles Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle and the pick this afternoon looks to be LARK IN THE MORNIN (4.50).
His trainer Joseph O’Brien won the race in 2019 with Band Of Outlaws.
Four-year-old Lark In The Mornin was noted making late headway when third at Punchestown last time.
He would have finished even closer had he not made a mistake at the last. He has a Timeform rating of 146 and also has the famous little ‘p’ to signal there is more to come. He has been laid out for this.
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