A ‘MASSIVE’ Willie Mullins Cheltenham favourite has switched races at the last minute.
Awesome Dublin Racing Festival winner Final Demand was quickly made favourite for Friday’s Albert Bartlett when owner Bryan Drew flouted the idea of him running there given the drying ground conditions at the track.
Final Demand will run in the Turners instead of the Albert Bartlett after Willie Mullins made a late switchSportsfile
At 6-4 he was miles ahead of 10-3 The Yellow Clay and Henry de Bromhead’s 4-1 mare The Big Westerner for the 3m race.
THE SUN RACING MEMBERS ENCLOSURE
The only place to get Templegate’s tips first – and at the best prices – is by joining Sun Racing’s brilliant Members Enclosure (UK only).
Sign up now for just £1* to be part of racing’s best winning team and get…
Four free racing tickets, four times a year – worth £300
Templegate’s daily tips at the BEST prices before anyone else
Exclusive access to Templegate’s daily NAP
Tomorrow’s copy of The Favourite at 9pm today
Exclusive insights from top trainer Ben Pauling
VIP competitions from Racing Breaks each month
Become a member today for just £1*
*For the first month then £3 per month thereafter.
18+ Ts and Cs apply. First month membership £1, then £3 per month unless you cancel at least 7 days before your next billing date. UK only. For more information contact [email protected]
Final Demand was always second fav for Wednesday’s Turners Novices’ Hurdle but that’s where Mullins has decided to run him.
This despite JP McManus’ The New Lion – who he was rumoured to have bought for £1million – being the strong market leader.
Mullins also left it late in the day one declarations when switching Lossiemouth from the Champion Hurdle to the Mares’ Hurdle.
She makes up one leg of the monster four-fold on day one alongside Constitution Hill, Kopek Des Bordes and Majborough, which bookies fear could cost them £50million.
The Dan Skelton-trained The New Lion is 6-4 favourite for the 2m5 Turners following his romp in the Challow Hurdle last December.
Final Demand, who cost £200,000 and jockey Paul Townend described as ‘massive’, is a 7-4 chance while Gordon Elliott’s The Yellow Clay, who was also fancied for the Albert Bartlett, runs in the Turners and is 11-2.
Final Demand, who Drew owns alongside Professor Caroline Tisdall, was breathtaking when he ran last month at Leopardstown.
Mullins said after his 12-length romp: ” I never thought he would have that much and he was probably going better passing the post than at any other stage of the race.
“To do what he did there on only his second run over hurdles was a huge achievement.
“What he did from the last to the line sets him apart from other horses. He’s a specimen.”
Final Demand has won his two races by a combined 27 lengths but still punters want to be with The New Lion.
Challow Hurdle winners have a poor record at Cheltenham yet he won that Grade 1 with ridiculous ease and is unbeaten in four career starts.
FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org.
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
Never chases their losses
Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org
Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
