Vedettariat can make a successful chasing debut
Having rounded-off a record-breaking week at the Punchestown Festival with a Grade 1 double on Saturday, Willie Mullins has his first runners of the new season at the County Mayo venue this evening.
And Vedettariat, successful twice over hurdles, has always looked likely to be more effective over fences than hurdles. Suited by a test of stamina, he should have everything in his favour tonight.
Winner of his only point-to-point and highly-regarded when he came to the racecourse, he failed to win in five bumper attempts.
Beaten on his hurdling debut at Thurles in January, he opened his account in Clonmel the following month and followed-up in a novice event at Navan, when beating Fine Article and Lord Scoundrel.
Last time, he finished ninth in the handicap hurdle won by Jimmy Two Times at Fairyhouse, when racing off a mark of 134.
He looks a cut above today’s rivals and, sure to know his job, is a confident choice.
Willie Mullins might also strike with Tramore bumper winner Childrens List in the opening Connaught Telegraph Maiden Hurdle and the Malcolm Denmark-owned newcomer Contempt Of Court in the bumper.
The stable will be represented by Thurles winner Totally Dominant in the P & D Lydon Plant Hire Rated Hurdle. But he might struggle against the Gordon Elliott-trained Cape Of Glory, unplaced in a handicap won by Some Article at Fairyhouse last time, with David Mullins claiming a valuable 5lb. here.
