Ballyburnthe star novice hurdler who lit up last season, is set to make his return this weekend at Punchestown after remaining in title contention. Unibet Morgiana hedge (2.10)as well as access over fences.

The Willie Mullins-trained six-year-old could be one of ten runners in a Willie Mullins-dominated Morgiana on Saturday, but he has also been entered in the 2m3f beginners chase (12:30 p.m.) earlier on the same map. He is the 5-2 favorite for the Arkle at the 2025 Cheltenham Festival, as well as the 6-1 market leader for the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase.

Lossiemouththe new favorite for the Champion Hurdle with some bookmakers, could also make a reappearance at the Morgiana.

The five-year-old owned by Susannah and Rich Ricci only made her debut last season in January at Cheltenham, kicking off victories in the Mares’ Hurdle and Mares Champion Hurdle at Punchestown during a perfect campaign.

Although she has yet to be seen this season, she has narrowed to a 5-2 favorite for the Champion Hurdle with Betfair Sportsbook and Paddy Power. after training at Constitution Hill in Newbury on Tuesday. She is joint 5-2 favorite with the Nicky Henderson-trained star Coral.

However, Mullins has a formidable pack for the Morgiana with Statesmanthe reigning Champion Hurdler and winner of the race for the past two years, also in contention. Daddy long legs, Mr Gerhard And Winter fog were also left in.

Mares’ Hurdle winner is some bookmakers’ favorite for March’s Champion HurdleCredit: Patrick McCann

Better days aheadwho made a winning return to Down Royal this month, was left behind by Gordon Elliott alongside Son of Oudairieswhile No looking back And Smooth Tom could complete the line-up. Mystical Power and Aspire Tower have not been confirmed.

Galopin Des Champs, Fastorslow and Fact To File remain in the running for John Durkan

A day later, Mullins was able to assemble a formidable team of six people in the John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase (2.25)titled by Galopin des Champs.

The two-time Cheltenham Gold Cup winner could make his return to the 2m4f Grade 1 for the third consecutive campaign, having won it in 2022 before finishing third a year ago behind a familiar foe. Quickly slow.

The Martin Brassil-trained star also remains in contention, having beaten Galopin Des Champs in the Punchestown Gold Cup for the second year running in April.

Mullins’ team could also include a novice star fighter Done to file, Lord Blue, Minella Cocooner, Grangeclare West And Capodanoalthough the latter was completed for Saturday’s Betfair Chase.

Winning Novice Hunters of Year 1 In our way of thinking And Spillane Tower could also be part of a powerful line-up owned by JP McManus, as could Mares’ Chase winner. Limerick Lace. Banbridge, Found A Fifty, Gaelic Warrior and Il Etait Temps were among those eliminated.

Pre-Post Markets

Morgiana Hurdle (2h10 Punchestown, Saturday)
Power of paddy: 2-5 State Man, 7-2 Lossiemouth, 5 Ballyburn, 10 Brighterdaysahead, Daddy Long Legs, 14 Winter Fog, 20 Sir Gerhard, 33 Sons of Oudairies, Smooth Tom, 50 No Looking Back

John Durkan Memorial Chase (2.25am Punchestown, Sunday)
Power of paddy: 6-4 Fact To File, 9-4 Fastorslow, 7-2 Galopin Des Champs, 6 Spillane’s Tower, 12 Grangeclare West, 14 Inothewayurthinkin, 20 Journey With Me, 25 Limerick Lace, 33 Blue Lord, Minella Cocooner, 50 Capodanno

• Ballyburn
• Daddy long legs
• Son of Oudairies
• No looking back
• Mr Gerhard
• Smooth Tom
• Statesman
• Winter fog
• Better days ahead
• Lossiemouth

• Lord Blue
• Capodano
• Done to file
• Quickly slow
• Galopin des Champs
• Grangeclare West
• In our way of thinking
• Travel with me
• Minella Cocooner
• Spillane Tower
• Limerick Lace

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