Willie Mullins has clarified why he chose to run Rosiemus instead of Anzadam in Saturday’s Unibet Morgiana Hurdle, as Anzadam is gearing up for a major showdown with Constitution Hill and The New Lion in Newcastle next weekend.
Mullins, who has been dominant in the Punchestown Grade 1 races with his horses winning 12 of the last 14 races including the last 13 under his guidance, has several entries for this year’s event. With double champion Statesman sidelined for the season as of last week, undefeated Anzadam, owned by Joe and Marie Donnelly, has risen to the top of the Morgiana preliminary list.
However, Anzadam was absent during Thursday’s announcement, where the star filly Rosiemus was presented as the favorite with Paul Townend riding, and Grade 1 winner Irancie expected to be the second pick from the stable.
Mullins told Sporting Life that running Rosiemus over this distance would help answer questions about her future, including whether she might be a contender for the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton. He believes she is in good condition and ready to take on the challenge, adding they’ll gain valuable insights about her at Punchestown.
He also mentioned Ilansey, another promising young hurdler and Spring Grade 1 winner over course and distance, but acknowledged it might be tough to concede 7 pounds to Rosiemus. Meanwhile, Anzadam is set to compete in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle in Newcastle next weekend.
Lossiemouth is the favorite for Paddy Power’s Morgiana at 4-11 odds, aiming to secure a third win in a row ahead of Anzadam. Dan Skelton’s The New Lion leads the market in Ireland at 11-8, while Constitution Hill—bred by Nicky Henderson—is at 7-4 odds.
Trainer Gordon Elliott is the only one to have won the Morgiana in the last 14 years, with victories from Avacadabras in 2020 and Brighter Days Head last year. His entry this time is Derwie, who won the Galway Hurdle in the summer and recently finished sixth in the Cesarewich at Newmarket.
The field is rounded out by David Harry Kelly’s recent course winner Glen Kiln, continuing the Bow family legacy made famous by the three-time Morgiana winner Limestone Lad and the legendary mare Solerina.
Fan Take: This update highlights the strategic decisions trainers make in prepping top contenders for major races, adding excitement to the upcoming clashes at both Punchestown and Newcastle. Horse racing enthusiasts will be keen to see if Rosiemus can shine in the Morgiana and if Anzadam’s battle in Newcastle signals the rise of a new star in the sport.
