Willie Mullins' Cheltenham Festival hint sees punters fear for accas with big favourite

Bookmakers have taken action after Willie Mullins dropped a Cheltenham Festival hint about a key runner.

The Irish trainer revealed this morning that he would be "happy enough" with the Turners Novices' Chase for Galopin Des Champs.

The impressive prospect has long been the ante-post favourite for the Brown Advisory race – but now the shorter option is being seriously considered.

Mullins said: "He could go in either the Turners or Brown Advisory, I want to talk to Paul (Townend).

"I’d be happy enough I think with the 2m4f Turners. I think he has the ability to do that."

If confirmed, Galopin Des Champs will meet the Henry de Bromhead-trained Bob Olinger.

Also unbeaten in his novice chases to date, the seven-year-old is one of the 'bankers' of the big week for many.

The prospect of the clash on the Thursday has led to punters fearing for their accas.

Dozens will have included the star in their ante-post bets – but they may have picked the wrong race.

Paul Townend and Galopin Des Champs on their way to winning the Ladbrokes Novice Chase at the Dublin Racing Festival (PA)

Coral's Harry Aitkenhead said: "Rather than avoid each other it now looks as though Galopin Des Champs is headed for a mouthwatering clash with Bob Olinger in the Turners and we go even money Galopin and a shade of odds on for Bob, just favouring Henry De Bromhead's charge."

Bob Olinger is the 4-5 favourite with the firm for the Turners, which takes place a day later than the Brown Advisory over a trip of around three miles.

One of the top prices across the industry for Galopin Des Champs in the Turners is 6-4 with Unibet.

Bravemansgame, the chief beneficiary according to the market if the Mullins horse is diverted, is into 2-1 for the Brown Advisory.

Bob Olinger has already starred at Cheltenham with Rachael Blackmore in the saddle (PA)

One punter suggested their might be another twist in the tale on the way.

"Could there be a big switch on the cards. Galopin to the Turners and Bob to the Brown Advisory. Antepost punters up in arms!" they tweeted.

While another, sharing a video of Galopin Des Champs on the gallops this morning, said: "Someone let Willie know that this is the Brown Advisory winner."

A third added: "Anyone that bets on racing with their heart over head will lose in the long run... fact... anyone that is being honest knows the TURNERS is the right race for Galopin Des Champs. Let's just get over the fact it may happen and move on!"