The tweed is pressed, the Guinness is chilling, and the Prestbury Cup is already looking nervously toward the Irish Sea. As we approach Tuesday’s curtain-raiser at Cheltenham, the “insider” vibe is one of resigned admiration: it’s not a question of if Willie Mullins will win, but rather how many times we’ll have to hear the “Mullins Roar” before the sun sets over Cleeve Hill.
🐎 The Tuesday Outlook: “Willie’s World”
Opening day at Cheltenham usually feels like a private party at Closutton that we’ve all been invited to watch (and pay for). The traditional “Cheltenham Roar” at the start of the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle is often just the sound of bookmakers weeping as the first leg of a Mullins accumulator lands.
• The Supreme Opener: Expect Willie to field a “B-team” that would be any other trainer’s once-in-a-lifetime champion. The insider buzz is all about whether he can repeat the 1-2-3 finishes of years past.
• The Mares’ Hurdle: Lossiemouth is the name on everyone’s lips. The “insider” tip? If you see a sea of pink and green in the paddock, just nod knowingly. We are all just living in Willie’s simulation now.
• The Arkle: With Majborough and Gaelic Warrior types always in the mix, the fence-jumping masterclass is practically guaranteed.
🏁 Yesterday’s Wrap: UK & Ireland (Saturday, Feb 28)
While the Cotswolds prepare for the storm, yesterday saw some gritty action across the home islands to sharpen the appetite.
Navan (Ireland)
• The Big One: Willie Mullins signaled his intent early. James Du Berlais (11/1) took the Grade 2 Webster Cup Chase, traveling with ominous ease to lead before the last. Stablemate Saint Sam disappointed, but the Mullins machine rolls on.
• The Short One: Galileo Dame (4/6f) justified the hype for Joseph O’Brien, winning the maiden hurdle by a cool 11 lengths.
• The Closer: Savante (4/5f) rounded off the card for Colm Murphy, proving that favorites weren’t just for the big yards yesterday.
Doncaster & Newbury (UK)
• Doncaster Force: Mighty Bandit (13/8f) made all in the Handicap Chase, drawing clear to win by a massive 17 lengths. He looks like one for the notebook.
• Newbury Shock: It wasn’t all plain sailing for the punters; Heltenham struck at 20/1, reminding us that the “Old Sage” of Newbury can still produce a sting in the tail.
☀️ Desert Dominance: Buick & Appleby at Meydan
While we were shivering in the British rain, William Buick and Charlie Appleby were busy turning Super Saturday into a Godolphin benefit.
The Legend of Rebel’s Romance
The headline act was the ageless Rebel’s Romance, who secured his 21st career victory in the Dubai City of Gold (Group 2).
• The Performance: Sent off at 2/9, he didn’t just win; he “inhaled” the field. Buick sat ice-cold in third before nudging the 8-year-old forward to win comfortably by 1.5 lengths.
• The Milestone: This marked a sentimental peak for the Appleby yard, with Sheikh Mohammed himself on hand to witness the “Old Boy” dominate yet again.
The Buick Double
Buick wasn’t finished. He pulled off a tactical masterclass on the dirt aboard Meydaan (8/1) in the Al Maktoum Classic (Group 2) for the Crisfords. Switching from turf to sand, the son of Frankel stayed on powerfully to win by over 5 lengths, earning a shock spot in the Dubai World Cup.
The Final Word
If you’re betting against the Irish on Tuesday, make sure your insurance is paid up. Between Mullins in the mud and Buick in the sand, the “blue bloods” of racing are firmly in control.
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