Mullins, McCoy have Cheltenham bookmakers running scared

The Costwold town of Cheltenham this week hosts jump racing's annual Olympics, the £4 million National Hunt Festival with two Irishman in particular dominating the meeting's build-up.
The four-day feast of racing starting on Tuesday represents the last for 19-time champion jockey Tony McCoy.
McCoy, who is retiring at the end of the season, has high hopes of making it a swansong to remember.
With 30 winners already at the fixture, McCoy's book of rides include defending Champion Hurdle victor Jezki, leading Triumph Hurdle fancy Hargam, and Ned Buntline, who runs in the final race of the week, which has been renamed in his honour.
I'm not a believer in 'it's the taking part that counts' - it's about winning," said the racing legend from Northern Ireland.
"However, my Cheltenham this year will be better than next year. For that reason, I'll try to let myself enjoy it more than I've ever done.
"In some ways I've never let myself enjoy it because when you have a winner, it's about trying to win again next time."
If Jezki gives McCoy a fairytale farewell in the Champion Hurdle, he will have to get the better of hot favourite Faugheen.
The unbeaten seven-year-old is trained by Willie Mullins, who is sending over a staggeringly-strong team in both numbers, around 50, and quality.
Mullins has four of the opening day favourites with Faugheen joined by first race 'banker' Douvan, Un De Sceaux, and Annie Power.
- Apprehensive bookmakers -
Just for good measure, Mullins also sends out Hurricane Fly, his record-breaking Grade 1 winner, to try and claim a second Champion Hurdle crown.
With all of Mullins' might, it's little wonder bookmakers are apprehensive.
"It would be madness to believe we can escape unscathed from the frenzy of the opening day," said David Williams of Ladbrokes.
"It will shape the entire week. If all the Irish hotpots win we'll be nursing more cuts and bruises than we've ever known."
Mullins and his stable jockey Ruby Walsh unite in Wednesday's Champion Chase with Champagne Fever, who may struggle to get a look in against Sire De Grugy and Sprinter Sacre.
Sire de Grugy returns to defend his title won last year in the absence of Sprinter Sacre, the brilliant 2013 winner who has returned after missing a season with a heart problem.
"We can’t say he is back to his immortal, unbeatable old self," reported Henderson.
"That probably won’t happen, but we’re pretty pleased with where we are. He’s not unbeatable, which he once was, but if he’s as good as he can be he still has an outstandingly good chance."
Henderson's arch British rival Paul Nicholls trains the top two favourites for Thursday's highlight the World Hurdle, in Zarkandar and Saphir Du Rheu.
Regardless of how they fare, 24 hours later in the Gold Cup Nicholls' Silviniaco Conti looks hard to beat.
The nine-year-old is trying to claim the blue riband of jumps racing after two failed attempts, but his handler is hopeful it'll be a case of third time lucky for the dual King George VI Chase winner.
"He's been unlucky at Cheltenham in the past," reflected the trainer.
""He looks way better than he did this time last year and he is in really good order.
"If he wins a Gold Cup he will cement himself as one of the best."
Silviniaco Conti finished fourth last year to surprise winner Lord Windermere, who is back for a repeat. Also featuring in the line-up are the McCoy-partnered Carlingford Lough, Mullins' well-backed Djakadam, and Bobs Worth, the 2013 hero.
Source: AFP