olbg.com Yorkshire Rose Mares' Hurdle (Grade 2)

Off time: 14:40 | Winning time: 4m 4.49s

Dame Rose²⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 11-2| J: D N Russell| T: R Hobson| OR: 137| CD

11/2

Won last year's Grade 2 Mares' Bumper at Aintree and was improving over hurdles, winning in Listed company before racing keenly and being pulled up in the Grade 1 Challow at Newbury. Back in trip here and this is another test, but not ruled out.

Form: 51-131P

Maria's Benefit²⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: C Gethings| T: S Edmunds| OR: 152| D

10/11

Beaten 22L by Dame Rose in the Aintree Mares' Bumper last season, but has buried that form this season over hurdles, winning her last four and being impressive in a Taunton Listed event last time. On that evidence she is the one to beat.

Form: 0-21111

Dusky Legend⁵⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 11-0| J: Wayne Hutchinson| T: A King| OR: 139

5/1

Runner-up in the Grade 2 Trull House Mares' Hurdle at Cheltenham in 2016 and has been frustrating to follow over both hurdles and fences since, winning two but finding one or two too good on numerous occasions. Consistent and should be in the mix.

Form: 232-22F

Irish Roe⁴²

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: Henry Brooke| T: P Atkinson| OR: 134| CD

5/1

Was 10L behind Dame Rose in the Aintree Mares' Bumper but has prospered over hurdles, winning 4-5, including a Class 2 event over C&D last time. Has won on soft ground and well worth her place in this line-up, though needs a bit more improvement.

Form: 7-11211

Smart Talk⁶⁸¹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-0| J: C R King| T: B Ellison| OR: 135| CD

33/1

Won four of her first six over hurdles, including this race in 2016. Has been off the track since being beaten 40L in the Grade 2 Trull House at Cheltenham in March 2016 and this is a tough ask on her return from such a lengthy layoff.

Form: 113110/

The Nipper⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: G Sheehan| T: W Greatrex| OR: 135| D

20/1

Was a decent novice over hurdles last season, winning three on heavy ground at 2m-2m3f. Has been winning over fences at Exeter and Wincanton just lately and will need this to be a good gallop to bring her stamina into play back over hurdles.

Form: 16-2411

Forecasts

Maria's Benefit (10/11), Irish Roe (5/1), Dusky Legend (5/1), Dame Rose (11/2), The Nipper (20/1), Smart Talk (33/1)

After three of the last six winners hailed from Ireland, this renewal has been left to the Brits and that could be to MARIA'S BENEFIT. Stuart Edmunds' mare has made good strides over hurdles and her latest effort at Taunton marks her out as the one to beat. Dame Rose is proven in this grade and will probably appreciate the stronger pace that she is likely to get now dropped back to 2m, while Dusky Legend and Irish Roe are both admirable opponents who should be capable of having a say.