this week's entries

[DenmanSacre]

Lawlor's of Naas early entries are out. A couple of notable inclusions/omissions.

No Kilgame, which is a slight surprise. Perhaps he's being kept to 2 miles this year. We may learn more tomorrow.

Salvator Mundi and Kel Histoire are included which implies that they are at least in consideration for the mid-trip. I appreciate that Willie block books, but he hasn't included all of his good novice hurdlers here. No Kaid D'authie, Redemption Day, Irancy, for example.

https://status.hri-ras.ie/entries/Microsoft_Word__2025_ONOR004.PDF?id=1&v=20241212024502

That might be because Kaid Dauthie and Redemption Day are still maidens over hurdles. Kel Histoire is as well, but entered tomorrow so just scrapes in. Fishery Lane entered on Saturday as well to lose his maiden. Final Demand the odd one out then but more of a stayer.

[Exar Essay]

That might be because Kaid Dauthie and Redemption Day are still maidens over hurdles. Kel Histoire is as well, but entered tomorrow so just scrapes in. Fishery Lane entered on Saturday as well to lose his maiden. Final Demand the odd one out then but more of a stayer.

Yeah I'd thought that, but they are all entered up at Christmas over 2m in the Grade One. I know they are unlikely to run there, but though it interesting nonetheless. It didn't quite have the feel of the usual Mullins MO of "enter them all". In the same way that JDV wasn't entered over 2m at Xmas.

Kilgame the more notable omission.

[Odin]

At what point do I start to get worried at the lack of entries for Kopek? After the 2m Xmas Maiden?

[Quevega]

At what point do I start to get worried at the lack of entries for Kopek? After the 2m Xmas Maiden?

I'd say, no entry at xmas, back him for the bumper instead.
He's been available at 40+ on betfair for bumper until recently.

[ComplyOrDie]

At what point do I start to get worried at the lack of entries for Kopek? After the 2m Xmas Maiden?

Surely runs in the 4yo maiden hurdle over Xmas period if anything.

Same race Klassical Dream won.

[That Horse]

At what point do I start to get worried at the lack of entries for Kopek? After the 2m Xmas Maiden?

I'm just going on last ten year stats but supreme and turners winners had all been out before end of December. So for win purposes, it's getting to squeaky bum time where you'd really need to be seeing an entry.

[SeanRock]

His owner David McCarthy basically confirmed on Twitter he’ll be out over the Christmas

https://x.com/davidmccarthy12/status/1866930417481244816?s=46

[Faugheen_Machine]

At what point do I start to get worried at the lack of entries for Kopek? After the 2m Xmas Maiden?

Don't panic. Not long to wait now

[Odin]

Thank you all - looking forward to seeing him out!

[archie]

I'm just going on last ten year stats but supreme and turners winners had all been out before end of December. So for win purposes, it's getting to squeaky bum time where you'd really need to be seeing an entry.

As useful as SW's 10 year stats are, I'd point out once again that 2018 is a better cut off point because that was the first DRF and Willie has increased his capacity by at least 50%, That last stat in itself means that he has to be more creative with early runs for novices.

Most of us who use them recognise that very few stats are standalone, with the possible exception of 5yos in the Stayers Hurdle, but they are also dynamic and we need to be flexible in their interpretation.

[That Horse]

As useful as SW's 10 year stats are, I'd point out once again that 2018 is a better cut off point because that was the first DRF and Willie has increased his capacity by at least 50%, That last stat in itself means that he has to be more creative with early runs for novices.

Most of us who use them recognise that very few stats are standalone, with the possible exception of 5yos in the Stayers Hurdle, but they are also dynamic and we need to be flexible in their interpretation.

Cheers, I forgot about the stats on here and was manually checking the winners' race history on RP although going through the stats brought back some nice race memories.

For Cheltenham purposes, I think the winners that were out the latest in December were non-Willie horses; Windsor Park and Shishkin.

[Yosser]

The Final Furlong podcast this week has Adam Mills on again. First item on the agenda is Kel Histoire vs Kilgame

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYwWqVEN21U&ab_channel=FinalFurlongPodcast

[The hill]

4YO Maiden Hurdle 2 Miles

Kel Histoire (Mark Walsh) is having his first outing for us and it’s also his hurdling debut. He won an AQPS flat race in France and jumps well at home. We’re very happy with him at home and expecting a big run.

Maiden Hurdle 2 Miles

Magic McColgan (Paul) is a half-sister to Tornado Flyer and makes her hurdling debut here. She won and was placed in bumpers and will handle this ground. If she jumps as well as she does at home she could be hard to beat.

Mares Maiden Hurdle 2m 4f

Fancy Girl (Paul) is a course winner and has won a point to point. She is a good jumper and will be suited by this trip. She must have every chance.

Mares Beginners Chase 2m 5f

Cuta Des As (Mikey O’Sullivan) is a nice mare who has plenty of previous point to point experience. She jumps well and this trip won’t be a problem.

Iris Emery (Danny) had a good run at Fairyhouse last time and her chasing experience will stand to her here. She’s not one to be discounted.

Spindleberry (Paul) is having her first run over fences and was way ahead of the others over hurdles. She has won a point to point and this looks an ideal starting point for her chasing career.

Miss Manzor (Sean O,Keeffe) is only a 4YO and will have her work cut out to keep up with these but will gain valuable experience.

[Lobos]

'Salvator Mundi and Kel Histoire are included which implies that they are at least in consideration for the mid-trip.'

Mundi was available at 50/1 for Turners last time I looked .

[ComplyOrDie]

It didn't quite have the feel of the usual Mullins MO of "enter them all".

He's got 14 of the 24 entered

I imagine he's left Salvator Mundi in incase he's readily beat over 2m over the Christmas period. Nothing more than that, IMO.

He's already mentioned him being a 'Supreme type' though.

Kel Histoire he's mentioned him being a stayer, so no surprise he's been given the entry.