Betting
ANTEPOST MOVER: Burning Victory cut to 7-1 for Mares’ Hurdle after Punchestown glory confirms she’s “on plan” for Cheltenham
Willie Mullins looks to land his first Mares Hurdle at Cheltenham since 2018, with Burning Victory a leading candidate
Former Festival heroine Burning Victory lay down her 2022 credentials for the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle with a success at Punchestown on Wednesday afternoon.
Willie Mullins’s mare justified odds-on favourtism in the Quevega Mares’ Hurdle in County Kildare in midweek, with last year’s victor of the race, Black Tears, going onto record success at Prestbury Park.
She has since been cut to around 7-1 for the Grade 1 at next month’s Festival, but will perhaps play second-fiddle to the fellow Closutton trained Stormy Island.
Queens Brook, who chased home the winner giving her 3lb earlier this week, remains a 10-1 shot to reverse the placings in Gloucestershire.
In the aftermath, trainer Mullins said to Racing TV: “I was very happy with her jumping, I think it’s the first time she’s ever jumped without making a mistake, so the cheekpieces were a big help to her.
“She still jumped a little tall. I think she needed the race, especially the way she finished but she did go a fast gallop and was probably tying up a little bit at the end.
“I’d imagine she’ll go for the Mares’ Hurdle at Cheltenham, that’s the plan.”
