Irish Stallion Farms EBF Annie Power Mares Champion Hurdle (Grade 1)

Off time: 15:51 | Winning time: 4m 49.20s

Benie Des Dieux⁵³

Age: 8| Weight: 11-7| J: Paul Townend| T: W P Mullins| OR: 152| BF| CD

2/5

Unbeaten in five since joining Willie Mullins from France before falling at the last with the race at her mercy in the Grade 1 Mares' hurdle at the Cheltenham festival. Sets the standard.

Form: 1/1111-F

Good Thyne Tara⁵³

Age: 9| Weight: 11-7| J: Danny Mullins| T: W P Mullins| OR: 145| D

8/1

Winner of five of her 16 starts over hurdles but is yet to taste Grade 1 success. Place claims at best being well behind fancied stablemate here.

Form: 132163

Stormy Ireland⁵³

Age: 5| Weight: 11-7| J: R M Power| T: W P Mullins| OR: 145| C

7/2

Runner up on her last three starts including in the Grade 1 Mares' hurdle at the Cheltenham festival in March. Will have finished third if not for the fall of stablemate at the last. Liable to be fighting for a place.

Form: 131222

Tintangle^p¹³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: Jack Kennedy| T: G Elliott| OR: 135

16/1

Has cut her teeth in some good races this term including when finishing a gallant third of 22 in the Grade 2 Mares' novices at the festival before fourth of 16 behind Honeysuckle at Fairyhouse last month. More needed.

Form: 133F34

With Discretion³⁷⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 11-7| J: N de Boinville| T: N J Henderson| OR: 144

16/1

Impressive winner of both starts under rules for the yard. Off the track for 12-months since scoring on soft ground at Newton Abbot over 2m5½f. Tough ask on return.

Form: 6U3/11-

Forecasts

Benie Des Dieux (2/5), Stormy Ireland (7/2), Good Thyne Tara (8/1), With Discretion (16/1), Tintangle (16/1)

BENIE DES DIEUX fell at the last with the Grade 1 Mares' hurdle at her mercy at the Cheltenham festival and barring any further hiccups can add to her win in this contest 12 months ago. Consistent sort Stormy Ireland finished a solid second of 14 behind Roksana at the Cheltenham festival in March can once again hit the frame, while Good Thyne Tara can land a one-two-three for trainer Willie Mullins.