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    Challengers to Mullins and Elliott at Dublin Racing Festival
Challengers to Mullins and Elliott at Dublin Racing Festival

Challengers to Mullins and Elliott at Dublin Racing Festival

John Ingles looks at the possible challengers to the Mullins and Elliott stables. They will race at the upcoming Dublin Racing Festival's Grade 1 races. He focuses on five notable horses.

Willie Mullins' dominance often overshadows the Dublin Racing Festival. It is set for another year of top-tier jumping. During an ITV Racing discussion, Nicky Henderson humorously called it "Willie's benefit show." He also recognized its significance. Since its inception in 2018, Mullins has impressively claimed over half of the festival's Grade 1 races.

The event featured eight Grade 1 races over two days, with Mullins and Gordon Elliott frequently emerging victorious. They have had control, especially in the last three seasons. It is clear from Mullins winning six Grade 1 races each year and Elliott's consistent success.

Still, five contenders from other stables are worth watching. They are poised to challenge if Mullins and Elliott don't dominate.

Intellotto - Joseph O'Brien, Spring Juvenile Hurdle:

Intellotto is a strong contender. He had a promising hurdling debut at Leopardstown. He won the Spring Juvenile Hurdle twice before. Joseph O'Brien did this. The gelding exhibited impressive strength and potential for further improvement.

Marine Nationale - Barry Connell, Irish Arkle Novice Chase:

Last year, Barry Connell's Marine Nationale skipped the DRF but triumphed at Cheltenham. He is transitioning to fences. Marine Nationale's recent performance shows he'll be tough in his upcoming races.

Fastorslow - Martin Brassil, Irish Gold Cup:

Fastorslow has twice defeated Galopin des Champs. He is a significant threat in the Irish Gold Cup. This is despite facing a potentially more vital Galopin des Champs this time.

Corbetts Cross - Emmet Mullins, Ladbrokes Novice Chase:

Emmet Mullins presents Corbetts Cross, a strong contender in the Ladbrokes Novice Chase. Showing consistent improvement, Corbetts Cross is poised for better performances.

No Flies On Him - Edward O'Grady, Tattersalls Ireland Novice Hurdle:

Edward O'Grady's No Flies On Him was impressive in his hurdling debut. He is another horse to watch. He could mark O'Grady's return to Grade 1 success.

This year's Dublin Racing Festival will be thrilling. Five horses are poised to challenge the usual do.

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