Cheltenham Festival 2022: Willie Mullins’ plans for two stable stars appear to be confirmed in betting markets

“We’re definitely leaning towards to the Ballymore”

Richard Thompson of @CPStudOfficial with the latest on Sir Gerhard, but no final decision has been made on his Cheltenham race… @GinaBryce pic.twitter.com/CNVuyevSh0

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) March 11, 2022

Well, one look at the exchange market on Betfair would appear to indicate the Closutton supremo has made up his mind.

Both Sir Gerhard and Dysart Dynamo were vying for favouritism in the opening Supreme Novices’ Hurdle with Nicky Henderson’s Constitution Hill and Jonbon.

But Sir Gerhard, last year’s Champion Bumper winner, has drifted markedly in the betting there.

And, as a result, his price for the Ballymore, the opening race on Wednesday, has plummeted.

Meanwhile, Dysart Dynamo’s odds for the Supreme have shortened, indicating that race appears to be his target.

Sir Gerhard is now 2.12 on the exchange for the Ballymore – which in normal odds is 11-10.

Dysart Dynamo is 4.6 on the exchange for the Supreme – which is around 7-2.

Constitution Hill remains the favourite there, and is one of the most backed horses of the week with bookies.

There has been no official word from the camp yet, though, and it is worth remembering the markets did get it slightly wrong recently.

A big drift on Jonbon, the £570,000 superstar bought by JP McManus, proved to be unfounded, with Henderson confirming the horse was fine.

But Cheveley Park Stud and Sir Gerhard owner Richard Thompson told At The Races about plans for their horse: “We’re definitely leaning towards the Ballymore.

“But I can’t give you a decision as yet, Willie is still mulling it over, excuse the pun.

“It looks like the Ballymore on balance but no final decision yet, I’m afraid.”