Bullish Walsh expecting Cheltenham bonanza Ruby Walsh is anticipating a bumper haul on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival with the rider backing Min, Douvan and either Annie Power or Nichols Canyon to do the business for him in the three feature events. Min heads the market for the Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle, while Douvan is viewed by many as the banker of the meeting in the Racing Post Arkle Trophy. While Walsh has yet to confirm his Stan James Champion Hurdle mount, he expects to ride either Nichols Canyon or Annie Power, should she be supplemented for the main event. In a Cheltenham Festival preview, in aid of Ballyshannon National School and St Brigid's Hospice, held at the Keadeen Hotel, Newbridge, Co Kildare, Walsh was very bullish about his chances on the opening day. He said: "I'll win on Min in the Supreme, then I'll win on Douvan in the Arkle. "I'll win the Champion Hurdle on either Annie Power or Nichols Canyon." Annie Power entered the Champion Hurdle frame after Willie Mullins was forced to rule out Faugheen due to an injury, but the mare would have to be supplemented at a cost of £20,000. Walsh underlined that she is not a definite runner, but believes she would be up to the task if she is added to the race. "No decision has been made on Annie Power yet, but could she beat all the main contenders in the race? Yes, definitely," he told the Irish Field. "She's quick enough - she's at least as quick as some of the recent winners of the Champion Hurdle, but she's not as good as Faugheen, or Hurricane Fly. When you supplement a horse for a race, you have to go and win it. "But Rich Ricci (Annie Power's owner) and Willie Mullins aren't going to leave behind the mares' hurdle. I'd always thought of Annie Power as the perfect sub for Faugheen in the Champion. "If Vroum Vroum Mag is flying in the week before the Champion and there are no problems with her going for the mares' race, then yes, Annie Power will be supplemented."
