Unbeaten Willie Mullins dark horse he labelled ‘something special’ put on path to Cheltenham Festival glory
WILLIE MULLINS looks to be plotting a path to Cheltenham Festival glory with an unbeaten dark horse punters think is ‘all class’.
The Joe and Marie Donnelly silks are best known for State Man in the Champion Hurdle.
https://twitter.com/RacingTV/status/1862859966102610318But it’s another of their superstar squad of horses who may just spring a monster surprise this season.
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Step forward Anzadam, who, like State Man, started off racing in France before being snapped up by the genius Irish trainer.
Anzadam, labelled ‘something special’ by his trainer, is three from three and saw off Gordon Elliott’s highly regarded Kala Conti by six-and-a-half lengths on his debut for Mullins.
Thrown straight in at Grade 3 level at Fairyhouse, Anzadam drew away easily from the Grade 2-winning mare, despite giving her two pounds.
The son of former Derby winner Authorized had won both races across the Channel over the 2m trip and looks all speed.
He looks set to test his credentials at the top level in the Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown on February 2.
But it was his inclusion in the Champion Hurdle entries that drew intrigue.
Stablemate State Man was thrashed by Brighterdaysahead in the Matheson Hurdle.
He’s the reigning Champion Hurdle hero but with Constitution Hill back to his best and Lossiemouth – and possibly Brigtherdaysahead – set for the Champion Hurdle, this year’s race looks incredibly strong.
So it spoke volumes that Mullins was happy to enter the five-year-old after just one run under his care.
Priced up at 12-1 for the Tuesday feature, Willie’s son Patrick told the Racing Post only now are they getting a glimpse of the horse’s potential.
He said: “He was hugely impressive. He was after having a few issues at home and he was quite a difficult ride in his work, too, so we hadn’t been able to look under the bonnet before Fairyhouse.
“It was great to see him race so professionally that day and put in such an impressive performance.
“We still don’t know how good he could be.
“But he ran to a mark in the low 150s at Fairyhouse, so he will have to find another 10lb or so to be competitive in the top, top races but hopefully he can find that 10lb or so.”
Champion Hurdle odds
5-6 Constitution Hill
4-1 Lossiemouth, Brighterdaysahead
11-1 State Man
12-1 Anzadam
25-1 Sir Gino
33-1 Burdett Road
50-1 Bar
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