St Marys Land Warwick Mares' Hurdle (Listed) (NHMOPS Bonus/GBB Race)

Off time: 15:38 | Winning time: 5m 24.34s

Paul's Saga^p1,t1⁷⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-6| J: B S Hughes| T: D Cottin| OR: 168| D

1/1

High-class mare, winning Group 1 Grande Course de Haies d'Auteuil at Auteuil (by ¾ length from L'Autonomie) in October and matched that form in defeat soon after. Very much the one to beat.

Form: 42P112

Whitehotchillifili⁴⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-4| J: S Bowen| T: H Fry| OR: 136

8/1

Overcame a blunder 2 out when registering a listed her to her CV at Sandown in January. Strong traveller, so isn't crying out for this trip and she needs to raise her game on these terms.

Form: 316-521

Dolcita^t1⁹⁷

16/1

Progressive for Willie Mullins last term, signing off with excellent second in Dawn Run Mares' Novice. Nowhere near that level sole start for Paul Nicholls and has undergone a wind op. Tongue tie on.

Form: 32/132-2

Eglantine Du Seuil^t²³

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 145

9/2

Smart hurdler for Willie Mullins and back on track for this yard when second of 8 in 2½m Cheltenham handicap in December. Shade too keen over 23.5f at Ascot and she needs considering back in trip.

Form: 40-5823

Molly Ollys Wishes^t⁵⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 137| CD

7/2

Strong traveller who got back on the up when scoring comfortably at Hereford in November and she followed up from 6 lb higher at Kempton (3m). Deserves a shot at black type.

Form: 12-3711

Sensulano^p⁴⁸

22/1

Did well over fences last term, landing 20f listed mares' novice at this venue. Not quite at that level during latter part of 2020 and has undergone wind surgery ahead of hurdles return. Headgear on.

Form: 129-525

Forecasts

Paul's Saga (1/1), Molly Ollys Wishes (7/2), Eglantine Du Seuil (9/2), Whitehotchillifili (8/1), Dolcita (16/1), Sensulano (22/1)

PAUL'S SAGA is a rare overseas runner in this current climate, but she brings high-class French form to the table and can reward the perseverance of her connections before a tilt at the Cheltenham Festival. Eglantine du Seuil is second choice on form, though Molly Ollys Wishes can go well in her quest for valuable black type.