The in-form trainers to follow over Christmas - including one stable operating at a 44 per cent strike-rate

As we approach a busy week of racing in Britain and Ireland, we look at some of the in-form trainers to follow over the Christmas period . . .

Willie Mullins

Willie Mullins has hit solid form at the right time as last season's champion trainer bids to enjoy another successful festive week on both sides of the Irish Sea.

Blue Velvet's bumper victory at Thurles on Saturday took Mullins' strike-rate in the last fortnight to 31 per cent (15-49), and there is every possibility it will increase over the next week.

Can Lossiemouth end Constitution Hill's unbeaten record at Kempton?Credit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Lossiemouth is one of the star names expected to feature on Boxing Day as the 11-10 shot, who made a successful seasonal return when landing the Hatton's Grace at Fairyhouse, is poised to take on Constitution Hill in the Grade 1 Christmas Hurdle (1.55) at Kempton.

On the same day, Mullins is expected to be well represented at Leopardstown with leading fancies, Willy De Houelle and Murcia, sitting at the top of the betting for the Grade 2 O'Driscolls Irish Whiskey Juvenile Hurdle (1.10). 

Top-level winner Impaire Et Passe, High Class Hero and Quai De Bourbon could feature in the Grade 1 Racing Post Long Distance Novice Chase (2.20) on the same card.

Gaelic Warrior is ante-post favourite for the Grade 1 Paddy's Rewards Club Chase (1.10) at Leopardstown on Friday, a race that could also see Dinoblue run, while Ballyburn could clash with Sir Gino in the Grade 2 Wayward Lad Chase (1.55) at Kempton the same day.

Patrick Neville

Patrick Neville's stable star The Real Whacker has been supplemented for the King George and confidence must be high, given he won the Charlie Hall when last seen and, crucially, the red-hot form of his stable.  

Neville is operating at an extraordinary 44 per cent strike-rate after saddling four winners from his last nine runners, and they have been doing the business at decent prices too. 

Here Comes Georgie was the 10-1 outsider of four but won a high-quality novice handicap chase at Ascot on Friday, while Mafia Power bettered that when scoring at 40-1 at Newcastle a day later.

The Real Whacker could be a King George dark horse after being supplementedCredit: Michael Steele (racingpost.com/photos)

The Real Whacker was a well-beaten fourth behind Hewick in a dramatic running of last year's Grade 1 chase but comes into this year's race after landing the Charlie Hall Chase. 

Also keep an eye out for Neville's other Kempton runner Mahons Glory in the 2m5f handicap hurdle (3.40). His handicap mark still looks slightly high but his second in June to Hyland, to whom he was giving 1lb, reads well with that horse going on to win twice at Cheltenham.

Sam Thomas

The Glamorgan-based trainer has enjoyed a fruitful season so far and will attempt to continue his impressive form with several good chances.

Despite just one winner from nine runners (11 per cent) in the last two weeks, Sam Thomas has a healthy 27 per cent strike-rate overall with nine winners from 33 runners this season.

Lump Sum holds an entry for the feature Grade 1 Christmas Hurdle at Kempton on Boxing Day (1.55). The six-year-old has won two of his last four outings and recorded a career-best Racing Post Rating when second to Sir Gino in the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle last month. Last-time-out winner Range is well fancied in the opening 2m4½f novice handicap chase (12.45) on the card.

Celtic Dino (Dylan Johnston) wins the Introductory Hurdle at AscotCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

Thomas could also be represented in the Grade 1 Formby Novices' Hurdle (1.05) at Aintree on December 26 as Celtic Dino, who chases a four-timer for connections, remains in contention.

A day later, 2021 Welsh Grand National hero Iwilldoit is on course to attempt to win the race again as he was among entries for the feature at Chepstow (2.50). Stablemate Jubilee Express is also entered.

Olly Murphy

A strong 23 per cent strike-rate in the last two weeks has the Warwickshire trainer primed for a busy Christmas spell.

Ten winners from 44 runners, which included a double at Lingfield on Wednesday, has helped Murphy surpass the 70 mark for winners for a fifth successive season.

Junker d'Allier is one of his standout runners on Boxing Day as the five-year-old, who last month made it two from two at Bangor this season, is expected to take his chance in the Grade 1 Formby Novices' Hurdle (1.05) at Aintree.

Olly Murphy: hopes for Grade 1 spoils at Aintree on Boxing DayCredit: Alan Crowhurst (racingpost.com/photos)

Murphy could also have a strong contingent at Market Rasen, Wetherby and Wincanton on the same day, while Static, who has finished second on each of his first two starts for the yard, holds leading claims in the Grade 2 Finale Juvenile Hurdle (1.40) at Chepstow on Friday.

Booster Bob (Aintree 2.50, December 26), Itchy Feet (Wincanton 2.38, December 26) and Act Of Authority (Aintree, 1.40, December 26) are others to follow.

Read these next:

Christmas racing guide 2024: day-by-day overview - plus ITV Racing schedule 

'I'm going to start crying again' - Fergal O'Brien overcome with emotion after Crambo roars back to his best in Long Walk thriller 

Royale Pagaille ruled out of King George with 'minor issue' but L'Homme Presse set to take his chance for Venetia Williams 

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