THE ROAD TO CHELTENHAM: Vroum Vroum looks a Mag-nificent Champion Hurdle bet
THEY say that a week is a long time in politics. Well, it’s even longer when it comes to the world of horseracing, as Willie Mullins demonstrated on Wednesday.
Ireland’s Champion trainer had suggested only a few days ago that Limini would be supplemented for next Tuesday’s Champion Hurdle, while his other mare Vroum Vroum Mag looked set to defend her Mares’ Hurdle crown.
However, in a dramatic u-turn, he opted not to add Limini to the 13-strong field, suggesting that she would instead take her chance in the Mares’ Hurdle.
That move paves the way for VROUM VROUM MAG to take up her entry in the opening day’s feature and she looks a brilliant each-way bet at 10/1.
The Mullins camp have yet to confirm that she will definitely take up that engagement, but with all bookmakers now offering non-runner/no bet, there is little no downside.
In fact, if she does line-up on Tuesday, I could see her starting nearer half those odds, hence today’s recommendation.
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Vroum Vroum Mag has won 12 of her 13 starts for Mullins, including a Grade One victory over two miles at Punchestown last year and gets a handy 7lbs mares’ allowance.
Her only defeat came when only narrowly touched off in a head-bobbing finish against Apple’s Jade at Fairyhouse back in December.
She is versatile when it comes to trip and her ability to stay will put her in good stead with such an unsettled forecast.
Her workmanlike performance at Doncaster in January can be ignored as she was extremely sick after the race with a chill and spent a few weeks on the easy list.
The decision not to supplement Limini may actually have more to do with the positive well-being of Vroum Vroum Mag and I’m prepared to take that chance.
POINTERS
Vroum Vroum Mag e/w 10/1 Champion Hurdle