Frontline Security Grabel Mares Hurdle (Listed)

Off time: 13:06 | Winning time: 4m 32.3s

Eglantine Du Seuil¹⁹⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 11-9| J: Rachael Blackmore| T: W P Mullins| OR: 139

4/1

50/1 winner of the Mares Novice Hurdle at Cheltenham (2m1f) before respectable Grade One thirds the next twice including here (2m4f). Penalty makes life tougher but has enough class to go close nevertheless.

Form: 1/1313-3

Stormy Ireland¹⁶¹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-3| J: Paul Townend| T: W P Mullins| OR: 147| CD

1/3

Three-time winner including this race last year. Twice second in Grade 1's last season before underperforming in France. Could do better still this season given she is only five and looks the one to beat here with the weight terms in her favour.

Form: 1222-26

Awayinthewest³⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 10-13| J: Danny Mullins| T: P A Fahy| OR: 124

33/1

Consistent sort but only won twice over hurdles in 27 starts and rated 23lb inferior to Stormy Ireland.

Form: 746233

Barra^t⁶⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 10-13| J: D N Russell| T: G Elliott| OR: 140| D

20/1

Not prolific but has some high class form with Grade 1 placed form as well as twice making the frame at the Cheltenham Festival. Expectant of another bold bid but as usual likely find one or two too strong.

Form: P26F0F

Black Tears^p1³⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 10-9| J: R M Power| T: G Elliott| OR: 133

7/1

2L fourth to Eglantine Du Seuil at Cheltenham and behind that rival next time at Fairyhouse. Three races since been a little disappointing and must bounce back having been pulled up last time out.

Form: 145-63P

Forecasts

Stormy Ireland (1/3), Eglantine Du Seuil (4/1), Black Tears (7/1), Barra (20/1), Awayinthewest (33/1)

The terms of this race very much suit STORMY IRELAND and her strong form late last season marks her out as the one to beat receiving 6lb from Festival winner Eglantine De Seuil who is still the biggest danger. Often the bridesmaid; Barra should yet again get involved but ultimately find one or two too strong.