IT was easy to get caught up in the razzmatazz of all the A-list winners at Dublin Racing Festival.
But while Galopin Des Champs, Kopek Des Bordes and State Man did their thing, a whole host of potential superstars were lurking in the handicaps and elsewhere.
Willie Mullins dominates the Graded races at Cheltenham Festival – but not all of his winners have come from his first stringGetty
Here, Sun Racing’s very own Templegate throws up four names who caught his eye – plus one more he really fancies to go close in the Champion Hurdle.
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And he picks out where he thinks they could be aimed at the Festival.
JASMIN DE VAUX (Albert Bartlett) 25-1 several places
It’s easy to forget that he won the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham last season as he hasn’t exactly set the world alight over hurdles.
Jumping seems to be a bit of an issue but I thought he ran a decent race when fourth in the Grade 1 Golden Cygnet.
Templegate’s 80-1 Cheltenham Festival acca made up of favourites
Returning to Cheltenham will suit him and the Albert Bartlett on the New course with its few hurdles in the closing stages should be ideal.
Some firms are as low as 14s but Betvictor are 25-1 and paying four places.
FIREFOX (Arkle Trophy) 25-1 several places
Firefox’s best efforts have come when he’s been up near the pace so I’m not entirely sure why he’s been held up on two of his past three starts.
It was a solid enough effort again out the back in the Irish Arkle and his jumping was again excellent.
I don’t think Gordon Elliott had anything fully wound-up at the meeting and this seven-year-old can perform better in the Arkle.
At 25-1, he looks solid for third spot behind Sir Gino and Majborough.
He’s not in the Grand Annual Chase betting but his current mark of 151 wouldn’t rule him out of that lesser contest so watch the entries on February 18.
BURDETT ROAD (Champion Hurdle) 25-1 Paddy Power
I know James Owen’s improving hurdler didn’t run at the DRF but nothing that did enhanced their Champion Hurdle chances.
Willie Mullins is still leaning toward this race for Lossiemouth and let’s hope she’s over her horrible fall at Leopardstown by then.
But it was a really crashing one and it wouldn’t be a shock if it knocks her confidence for Cheltenham.
Either way, I still think Burdett Road is a good bet to finish third and stand by my earlier each-way recommendation.
He was excellent in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton and landed a hot handicap at Cheltenham in November so we know he likes the track.
MCLAUREY (Martin Pipe Hurdle) 16-1 Betfair, 12s elsewhere
JP McManus looks set to have a fantastic Cheltenham team and this six-year-old booked his place with a battling win in the Listed handicap hurdle.
He even had the luxury of idling in front as he looked a bit green in the closing stages.
A handicap snip … ✂️
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) February 2, 2025
𝐌𝐜𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐲 (3-1f) looks a mile ahead of the assessor judged by his facile victory in the Listed two-mile handicap @LeopardstownRC 🟩🟨🟩@EmmetMullins1 is having quite some day ✌️#DublinRacingFestival pic.twitter.com/h3ClTDgdwY
He’s had just five spins over hurdles so should have a lot more to offer and hopefully the handicapper won’t go mad after this success.
He looks perfect for the Martin Pipe and, while it’s a risk as he could go another way, the 16-1 with Betfair is very tempting.
WILLY DE HOUELLE (Fred Winter Hurdle) 10-1 Betfair
Willie Mullins and Rich Ricci aren’t particularly known for handicap winners at the Festival but this nice four-year-old looks a little short of the Grade 1 Spring Juvenile he contested at the DRF.
It was still a decent effort just under five lengths behind Hello Neighbour and he enjoyed being held up before making his challenge out wide.
The Fred Winter would seem to be the target after this with the fast pace likely to bring plenty of improvement.
He’s a fair 10s with Betfair sportsbook and would be a lot shorter on the day thanks to his connections.
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