Emmet Targets Cesarewitch Wins with The Shunter and Jacovec Cavern

Emmet Mullins Eyes Back-to-Back Cesarewitch Triumphs with Two-Pronged Attack at Newmarket

Grand National-winning trainer Emmet Mullins is gearing up for another shot at the Club Godolphin Cesarewitch trophy at Newmarket on Saturday, aiming to secure the prestigious handicap for the second year in a row. Mullins' defending champion, The Shunter, will be joined by stable newcomer Jacovec Cavern, who impressed with a second-place finish on his debut for the yard at Galway.

Jacovec Cavern, owned by the Turner family, has had this race marked as a key target since joining Mullins, and jockey Hayley Turner will guide the five-year-old in his bid for victory. Mullins expressed optimism despite concerns about the stamina test, saying, "He stayed two miles well at Galway, but this is a higher class of race and even more of a stamina test, so for such a strong traveller, that could be a slight worry. Hopefully, he can overcome it."

Meanwhile, The Shunter has had a light campaign, with ground conditions forcing him to miss key races like the Chester Cup and Royal Ascot. However, with more suitable autumn ground at Newmarket, Mullins is hopeful for another strong performance from the 11-year-old. "He’s been on the go most of the year, but the ground has just been too fast for him. He’s come back in good order, and I think he will run a good race once again."