WILLIE MULLINS has put up two 33-1 outsiders including one who ‘keeps improving’ as surprise Gold Cup contenders.
The Closutton boss has confirmed stable star Galopin Des Champs will be the main man in his bid to win a third Cheltenham title.
Willie Mullins looks set to throw a whole host of superstars at this year’s Gold Cup – including two 33-1 outsiders who more than deserve their place in the line-up[/caption]
Ballyburn beaten!
Lecky Watson produces an upset at 20/1 in the Brown Advisory
pic.twitter.com/FtUS1gY1Pa
— CheltenhamRacecourse (@CheltenhamRaces) March 12, 2025
But nestled below him in the pecking order are a Grand National winner and top-tier three-mile chaser who could spring a shock.
Mullins couldn’t stop the tears from flowing when son Patrick rode Nick Rockett to victory in the world’s most famous race last April.
And while that contest will be on the agenda again, he could bid to do a Gold Cup-Grand National double if Mullins has his way.
Staying the punishing 3m2½f trip and infamous Cheltenham hill should be no trouble for the 169-rated chaser.
And the same can be said for Lecky Watson, who turned over odds-on stablemate Ballyburn in last season’s Brown Advisory.
A rapidly improving 3m chaser last term he made the jump from beginner level to Grade 1 king with ease.
While not totally setting plans in stone, Mullins told Sporting Life both will be given Gold Cup entries.
Speaking of Nick Rockett, Mullins said: “The way Nick Rockett handled himself around Aintree, going back there is a definite possibility.
“But that performance also puts him in the Gold Cup picture.
“There’s a lot of thinking to be done but we’ll get him started and see how he is after his first two runs.
“He’s a horse I’d love to go back to Aintree with, but he’ll have the Cheltenham entry and we’ll keep an open mind.”
As for Lecky Watson, Mullins added: “He’s another who I’d imagine will be going down the Gold Cup route.
“The way he won the Brown Advisory at the meeting last year and the way he handled the track and the occasion, we’d have to be plotting a route back there for the Gold Cup.
“He’s a horse who improved all season and I’m sure he’ll improve more again this time.”
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