SBK Irish EBF Mares Champion Hurdle (Grade 1)

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: Darragh O'Keeffe| T: M P Fitzgerald| OR: 115| C

Won a 10-runner maiden hurdle at this course in January and not disgraced in better company since. Out of her depth here, however.

Form: 1-48135

Jade De Grugy^p1⁵¹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-7| J: Paul Townend| T: W P Mullins| OR: 150| CD

11/8

Smart mare who landed this race 12 months ago and acquitted herself well over larger obstacles this term, winning Grade 2 at Thurles. Back in this sphere when a length second behind Wodhooh in Mares' Hurdle at Cheltenham (2½m) 51 days ago. Looks sure to go well again now fitted with cheekpieces.

Form: 21-3212

Place De La Nation²⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 11-7| J: Danny Mullins| T: W P Mullins| OR: 138

14/1

Useful hurdler who ran right up to her best when creditable second of 11 in Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Novices' Hurdle Championship Final (15/2) at Fairyhouse (2½m, soft) 27 days ago, clear of rest. Faces a stiff task here but should give another good account.

Form: 5-11232

Wodhooh⁵¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: Jack Kennedy| T: G Elliott| OR: 154| C| D

4/6

Smart mare who has only tasted defeat once (behind Lossiemouth at Aintree last term) in 11 starts over hurdles, registering third Cheltenham victory when taking David Nicholson Mares' Hurdle (2½m, good, 5/6) by a length from Jade De Grugy in March. Holds obvious claims.

Form: 112-111

Forecasts

Wodhooh (4/6), Jade De Grugy (6/4), Place De La Nation (8/1), Ill Raise A Glass (150/1)

WODHOOH added to her impressive record when taking the Mares' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in March and is difficult to get away from. Last year's winner Jade de Grugy is the obvious danger.