Galopin Des Champs went through his novice hurdle season looking a good horse - big, backward, more to come. Willie has plenty of those. It wasn't until the concluding effort of that campaign at Punchestown, where a 12-length gap to Gentlemansgame planted a seed that this one might be a little different.
If that season left any question of his talent, his chasing debut answered definitively. He put in a performance that left spectators with jaws on the floor, having to pick them back up before asking 'what have we just seen'.
That March in the Turners he swings for home, sticking his head forward and low with a tilt to the side, grabbing the bit hard, a powerhouse, a giant, now knowing what the game is all about, he's seen this hill before, he's eaten it and is about to chow down once more.
Draws well clear of Bob Olinger with just the last to clear, meeting it on a long but nice stride, he lifts in front and powers from behind.
"And he's over safely... oh no, he's not, he knuckles on landing and he is down", he hasn't touched the fence but topples over, like the commentator, the crowd think their banker has won.
A deep chorused, punched gut groan comes from the stands, jaws back on the floor. The only knuckle on an otherwise perfect year.
Last season starts with easy wins in the John Durkan and makes light work of the Irish Gold Cup on first attempt at three miles. On to this day last year for a career-defining moment. This is a step up in trip once more and stamina is not a given.
Paul Townend drops towards the rear of the field but it's not plain sailing, he rubs a few along the way, not jumping with his normal fluency. Approaching three out, five have drawn clear, Townend tags on to the back of these, all still with a chance.
Gets too close, low and through the fence. He doesn't lose much momentum and is quickly back strong into Paul's hands, there must be plenty left in the tank. Good two out, then joins Bravemansgame to the last.
He has not drawn clear this time but has the upper hand, meets the last on the exact same stride... no knuckling this time around, now he draws on. Gallops hard and strong through the line, lengthening further and further, stamina doubts forgotten, career all the more defined, best chaser in training.
On to Punchestown where the odds on shot is expected to do the same. The Gold Cup can take it toll though, and they don't all follow up, back on home ground.
Martin Brassil's pre-race interview suggests he is not there to make up the numbers, his Fastorslow backs that up under JJ Slevin.
Returning to Punchestown in November, the pair renew their rivalry in the John Durkan, 2m4f this time. Brassil is steely eyed once more, confident their last meet was no fluke. Fastorslow easily accounts for Galopin but with Appreciate It splitting the pair it's likely the champ has not been at his best.
Odd to think it now, but at that time the Mullins horses were not firing, not in full health or perhaps not just as fit as they normally would be on seasonal return. The pair go for match three in the Irish Gold Cup where Galopin gets one back, easily accounting for his main rival.
The aforementioned duo will dominate the market, but not to themselves will they have it all. The blue riband has a depth to which not many renewals compare.
While rags-to-riches story Hewick has been withdrawn, Grand National winner Corach Rambler, last year's runner up Bravemansgame, the ultra consistent Gerri Colombe, last year's novice chase winners L'homme Presse and The Real Whacker, rapid improver Nassalam, none can be written off.
Another to keep on your side is Gentleman's Game, the lightly-raced eight-year-old beat Bravemansgame in the Charlie Hall, easily a career best. The most interesting aspect to him is his trainer's faith.
Mouse Morris has peaked many to produce there best at the Festival. War Of Attrition showed he knows what it takes to win the big one.
Three years ago he spluttered from behind a fag that this is a Gold Cup horse, I've heard him cough it out on a few more occasions and insists he would not swap him for any other in the race.
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