After yet another dominant season in jumps racing, it's clear that Willie Mullins is enjoying himself having a crack at certain flat races. Of course, none of this is new, as Mullins has plenty of success in both Ireland and the UK on the flat, winning ten times at Royal Ascot, not to mention numerous big wins on the flat at Galway and the Curragh.
However, recently, it's hard to get away from the fact that Mullins has his eye fixed firmly on the Melbourne Cup. We know he has plenty of history with Australia's premier race, and he has performed well with Wicklow Brave, Thomas Hobson and Simenon in recent years, but he has three hugely intriguing options for the 2024 event.
Mullins trio respected in the betting odds
It's far from certain that Belloccio, Absurde and Vauban will all run in the 2024 Melbourne Cup, but it's highly likely that at least one, perhaps two, will be there. All three are given respect in the ante-post horse racing betting odds. Indeed, Belloccio is currently listed among the ante-post favourites.
Those odds will chop and change over the coming weeks and months, not just due to performances at home but due to the ebb and flow of the Australian spring season, which will get underway in late August.
Of course, both Mullins and pundits will want another look at his performers before settling on their candidacy for the Melbourne Cup. Belloccio is the current favourite for the Ebor Handicap in August, and a good performance at York will probably go a long way to deciding Mullins' plans for the horse Down Under.
No stamina issues for Belloccio
Belloccio performed well at Royal Ascot, winning the Copper Horse Handicap (Mullins' second successive victory in the race). The Copper Horse is slightly shorter than the Melbourne Cup in distance (by about 0.25 miles) but Belloccio looked to have plenty left in the tank. He's a versatile horse, so staying won't be an issue.
As for Vauban, Mullins will be looking to make amends for a disappointing showing at Melbourne last year, finishing 14th despite going off as the race favourite. Mullins has faith in the horse, though, and his form has been okay over the spring and summer, finishing 2nd in the Yorkshire Cup Stakes and a credible 4th in the Ascot Gold Cup in June. Punters will want to see a bit more, however, and they will look closely at his entries to the Curragh Cup (20th July) and Irish St Leger (15th September) for clues.
Absurde may have more to say
Absurde is an interesting wild card. He was a relatively short price when going off at 8/1 for the 2023 Melbourne Cup, and he didn't embarrass himself when finishing 7th. The horse came back to Ireland a few weeks later, pulling up at Leopardstown. He was beaten by a country mile by Ballyburn over hurdles at Leopardstown in February before pulling out a big win at the Cheltenham Festival in March.
He hasn't been in action since, but he also has entries for the Curragh Cup and Irish St Ledger. Absurde, perhaps more than the other two, will need a few runs before punters (and Mullins) make up their minds.
As mentioned, it's unlikely – although one wouldn't rule it out – that all three will be chosen for the Melbourne Cup. Moreover, punters would do well to be patient if thinking about lumping on ante-post, particularly if your bookie isn't offering NRNB. But Mullins clearly craves the Melbourne Cup – perhaps more than any international event. And this year, he has three intriguing talents to aim at it. Worth keeping an eye on.
