Unleashing the Magic of Cheltenham: Masterclass on How Copse Des Bordes Set Up Mullins For Supreme's Winner

The 2022 Cheltenham Festival will go down in history as one of the most thrilling and unpredictable events in the world of horse racing. For enthusiasts of the sport, the highlight of the festival is undoubtedly the Supreme Novices' Hurdle, where the cream of the crop of young horses battle it out for the coveted title. Among the standout performances was that of Copse Des Bordes, trained by Willie Mullins, who skillfully set up his team for victory. In this masterclass, we will delve into the intricacies of the tactics employed by Mullins and his team to secure the top spot on the podium.

Mullins' masterstroke was the early pacing, which allowed Copse Des Bordes to maintain a comfortable position at the rear of the field. This clever maneuver was designed to conserve energy and avoid the early pressure from the front-runners. By staying tucked away, Copse Des Bordes was able to conserve his strength and wait for the optimal moment to strike.

Pre-Race Analysis

Before the event, Mullins conducted extensive analysis of the opposition, carefully studying the strengths and weaknesses of each contender. This research enabled him to identify the horses that posed the greatest threat to Copse Des Bordes' chances of victory. By targeting the horses that were likely to dictate the pace, Mullins was able to set his team up for success.

• Key factors considered by Mullins included:
  • The form of each horse
  • The handicapping trends of the festival
  • The performances of each horse in previous events
  • The tactics employed by the trainers of the leading contenders

Copse Des Bordes' Tactics

As the starting gates burst open, Copse Des Bordes was pushed forward by his jockey, Paul Townend, to a comfortable third position. This was an ideal spot, allowing him to conserve energy while still maintaining a clear running line to the finish. By hovering just behind the leaders, Copse Des Bordes was able to stay within striking distance while avoiding the wear and tear of early racing.

The Perfect Pacing

Mullins' decision to go for a high-pressing tactic was a deliberate choice, designed to outmaneuver the opposition. By keeping Copse Des Bordes close to the leaders, Mullins was able to reduce the risk of being pulled through and reduced the amount of energy expended in the early stages.

• A pacing that was just fast enough to keep Copse Des Bordes within sight of the leaders
• Avoiding the need for a heavy flog, which would have expended excessive energy
• Setting up the perfect scenario for a late-racing surge

Mullins' Late-Racing Pounce

As the leaders began to tire in the backstretch, Mullins made his move, pushing Copse Des Bordes to the front with a powerful drive from Townend. The resulting finale was nothing short of breathtaking, as Copse Des Bordes quickly absorbed the dominance of the front line and responded with a stunning length-winning performance.

The Making of a Winner

Mullins' inspired tactics were perfectly executed, and Copse Des Bordes was able to seize the initiative at the exact right moment. By exploiting the weaknesses of the front-runners and capitalizing on the opening presented by the tactical decision-making, Mullins and his team were able to craft a dominant victory.

• The seamless integration of Copse Des Bordes into the winning team
• The sublime partnership between Mullins and Townend
• A perfectly timed late-racing surge that sealed the victory

The Cheltenham Festival has long been synonymous with excitement and unpredictability, and the 2022 Supreme Novices' Hurdle was no exception. By studying the tactics employed by Willie Mullins and his team, we can gain valuable insights into the art of preparation and the importance of forward thinking in the world of horse racing.