Forgotten Willie Mullins horse labelled a ‘class act’ sees odds obliterated for Cheltenham after ‘dazzling’ win
A FORGOTTEN Willie Mullins horse has seen his odds absolutely obliterated for Cheltenham Festival after a ‘dazzling’ win.
‘Class act’ Ile Atlantique is ‘looking more exciting as he gets older’, according to his legendary trainer.
The seven-year-old gelding was barely asked a question when scooting up by five lengths in the Grade 2 novice chase at Naas on Sunday.
THE SUN RACING MEMBERS ENCLOSURE
The only place to get Templegate’s tips first – and at the best prices – is by joining Sun Racing’s brilliant Members Enclosure.
Sign up now for just £1* to be part of racing’s best winning team and get…
- Four free racing tickets, four times a year – worth £300
- Templegate’s daily tips at the BEST prices before anyone else
- Exclusive access to Templegate’s daily NAP
- Tomorrow’s copy of The Favourite at 9pm today
- Exclusive insights from top trainer Ben Pauling
- VIP competitions from Racing Breaks each month
Become a member today for just £1*
*For the first month then £3 per month thereafter.
18+ Ts and Cs apply. First month membership £1, then £3 per month unless you cancel at least 7 days before your next billing date. For more information contact help@thesun.co.uk
Owned by Brighton supremo Tony Bloom, the horse had a reputation for being a big softie in a finish.
But fences look to be the making of him as he banged in his second straight win over the larger obstacles.
Ile Atlantique was smashed into as short as 6-1 from as big as 25-1 for the 2m Arkle following the rout.
Nicky Henderson’s awesome Sir Gino heads the market at 8-11, while Mullins also has the hugely exciting Majborough at 3-1.
But the Closutton trainer looked impressed with Ile Atlantique’s latest triumph, which never looked in doubt as Paul Townend cruised over the fences.
And he wasn’t beating mugs, with Gordon Elliott’s highly-regarded Firefox trailing in second, ahead of 11-10 fav Inthepocket.
Speaking afterwards, Mullins said: “He’s just such an efficient jumper, he’s gaining a half-length at every fence.
“Paul came in and he told me he just did it all himself.
“He claps his eyes on a fence, gets his legs in the right order and bang-bang down to it and meets it.
“Having a horse like that is a huge help to a jockey, you just sit there and let him do the work.”
He will probably need to up his game more – or have testing conditions – to make much of an impact up against Sir Gino.
But there’s no doubt he’s a much better animal over fences.
And we know Bloom likes his speedy chasers, having won the Champion Chase twice with Energumene.
FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org.
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chases their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
- Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org
Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.