Black Hercules emerges as JLT contender
BY KEITH MELROSE 3:06PM 29 FEB 2016
WILLIE MULLINS revealed on Monday that Black Hercules, ante-post favourite for the National Hunt Chase, is looking unlikely to target the 4m race, with the 2m4f JLT Novices' Chase now emerging as his most likely target.
The National Hunt Chase or RSA Chase over 3m had been on the agenda but following a final-fence fall at Navan on his last run before Cheltenham, Mullins has had a rethink.
"The target for Black Hercules has been occupying my mind probably most of all," said Mullins as he hosted a pre-Cheltenham press day at his yard on Monday.
He added: "The National Hunt Chase had been the race we were aiming him for but he was very keen at Navan last time and if he was to be that keen again it would make getting four miles a lot more difficult.
"So we're thinking seriously about either the RSA or the JLT for him instead. It's all still up for discussion but it's quite possible we might opt for the JLT."
Money talk
Bookmakers were quick to react to the news. Black Hercules was cut across the board for the JLT and is as short as 7-1 and a top price 12-1 with BoyleSports, Ladbrokes and William Hill. Paddy Power also pushed out favourite Bristol De Mai to 4-1 (from 5).
In the National Hunt Chase, Reynoldstown runner-up Minella Rocco is now favourite at 6-1 with Betfair. Black Hercules remains favourite in some books, including those to have gone non-runner no bet, but he is now 9-1 (from 5) with Paddy Power.
The RSA market offered some interesting disparities in the immediate aftermath of the news. Black Hercules is a general 8-1 shot, though as short as 6-1 with bet365 and longest at 14-1 with Paddy Pow