Willie Mullins poised to shatter his own Cheltenham Festival record with ridiculously strong squad

WILLIE MULLINS looks poised to shatter his own Cheltenham Festival record - thanks to his ridiculously strong squad of runners.

The Closutton supremo won a record-breaking ten races at last year's Festival.

Yet at the time of writing, Mullins has the ante-post favourite in 12 races for next month's meeting.

And he also has the second-favourite in a whopping 14 contests!

That could look even more intimidating on the day.

Facile Vega was shunted out to 5-1 for the Supreme after being odds-on following his Leopardstown flop last Sunday.

But punters have not been totally put off by Paul Townend's 'headless' tactics.

He has been backed into 4s best price and is the current favourite on the Betfair Exchange.

The incredible Gaelic Warrior might be Ballymore-bound but that hasn't stopped him being a mainstay at the top of other markets.

At the time of writing he is favourite for the Coral Cup, County Hurdle and Martin Pipe.

While he is 5-1 for the Ballymore and 7-1 for the Supreme.

Galliard Du Mesnil (National Hunt Chase), Tekao (Boodles), It's For Me (Champion Bumper) and Allaho (Ryanair) look strong at the head of their respective markets.

While Mr Incredible (Kim Muir), Lossiemouth (Triumph), Galopin Des Champs (Gold Cup) and Allegorie De Vassy (Mares' Chase) could take some beating.

It's the sheer number of second-favs that really highlights Mullins' strength in depth though.

In the Arkle there is El Fabiolo, in the Champion Hurdle State Man, the Turners Appreciate It and Blue Lord the Ryanair.

Ramillies is a strong back-up in the National Hunt Chase, with Impaire Et Passe would seem suited to the Ballymore.

Haut En Couleurs is favourite for the Coral Cup and Plate.

While Chapeau De Soleil and Fun Fun Fun make up two of the four Champion Bumper second-favs, behind Mullins' fav It's For Me.

Then there is Ashroe Diamond in the Mares' Novice Hurdle and Blood Destiny a worthy challenger to Lossiemouth in the Triumph.

And don't forget Embassy Gardens in the Albert Bartlett.

All in all it points to another Festival of Mullins brilliance and dominance.

And, just maybe, a new record of winners.

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