PUNTERS will be biting their nails down to the bone after Grand National-winning trainer Emmet Mullins said his major Cheltenham Festival plot horse could skip the meeting entirely.
Big gamble J’Arrive De L’Est might miss out on the Kim Muir at Cheltenham on Thursday 12 March.
Mullins has a reserve race lined up for his seven-year-old gelding, should he miss the Festival.
J’Arrive De L’Est, who was second behind massive Cross Country fancy Favori De Champdou when last seen, is currently 12-1 for the Kim Muir over 3m2f.
The horse has been backed in from as big as 25-1 and is set to carry a really low weight.
But in a sickener for punters it might be too low to get in.
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Speaking to the Racing Post Mullins said: “On last year’s ratings, J’Arrive De L’Est will miss the cut by 1lb in the Kim Muir.”
The drop to 3m2f looked set to suit J’Arrive De L’est – however it now seems unlikely.
The Irish trainer revealed: “I’d imagine he’ll go to Uttoxeter on the Saturday for the Midlands National.”
The Midlands Grand National is over 4m2f – it would be a fascinating race for the horse who is unexposed at that extended distance.
Both of J’Arrive De L’est’s outings for 2022 National hero Mullins have been class two contests at Cheltenham over 3m5f.
He has finished second in his two starts for the yard, having arrived from France for top owner Paul Byrne, who is known for landing gambles.
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In terms of Mullins’ other festival chances – Backmersackme looks to be his best shot at success.
The gelding is 9-2 favourite for the National Hunt Chase on Tuesday 10 March.
He won over 2m5½f at the Dublin Racing Festival with champion jockey Sean Bowen onboard.
Minella Emperor is another each-way chance for the Mullins yard who is 10-1 for the Pertemps on Thursday 12 March.
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