Casey confident that Laurina can deliver

"Laurina will win the Mares' Novices' Hurdle" was the forthright view of David Casey at a packed Europa Hotel, Belfast for the annual Sean Graham/The Irish News-sponsored Cheltenham preview night on Monday.

Casey, assistant trainer to Willie Mullins, joined trainers Gordon Elliott and Neil Mulholland, ITV commentator Richard Hoiles, journalist Mark Winstanley and bookmaker brothers Brian and Ronan Graham on a panel chaired by Gary O'Brien from At The Races.

Jockey Noel Fehily sent his apologies as he schooled Stayers' Hurdle hope Unowhatimeanharry after riding a treble at Kempton earlier in the day.

Aside from flagging up ante-post favourite Laurina's chances, Casey revealed he would love to see Yorkhill contest the Ryanair against stablemate, and last year's winner, Un De Sceaux.

Casey, who rides Yorkhill at home, said he would run a huge race but that the enigmatic eight-year-old also has the option of the Champion Hurdle after schooling well over hurdles in his recent work.

Elliott, who will have no runner in the Ryanair, called Un De Sceaux "a good thing", while Hoiles, Mulholland and Winstanley were also sweet on the chances of him retaining his crown. Casey said he would take a bit of beating.

Casey was asked if Getabird was a good bet to get the Irish contingent off to a flyer in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle, but his reply urged caution: "Ability-wise he goes there with a big chance. He's a fragile horse but we've had a clear run with him.

"I hope we have better 6-4 shots during the week, he's short enough. You have to respect Kalashnikov."

Winstanley said it was all about jumping in the Arkle and for that reason he could not see past Mullins' Footpad, a view reinforced by Brian Graham.

Footpad's supporters were heartened when Casey said: "He's more reliable and not as fragile as Getabird. He's been to the Festival before and I think the way the race will be run will set up for him. He will take a lot of beating."

With Buveur D'Air a prohibitive odds-on favourite to win the Champion Hurdle again, Hoiles provided a different take on this blue riband contest.

"Elgin is going to be supplemented. He is three from his last four and his form is solid. I would back him without the favourite each-way," he said.

Alan King's charge was last seen winning the Grade Two Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton last month, having landed the Grade Three Greatwood at Cheltenham in November.

Elliott's Samcro has been all the rage for the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle so the trainer's comments were eagerly sought.

"He looks to have a very good chance. It's his first time travelling over and the worry is how a young horse takes it but he's a big, laid-back horse. He looks a very, very good horse," Elliott said.

Winstanley was more bullish as he said: "I'd love to run him in the Champion Hurdle where he would be second-favourite. I think he is something special and I hope he bolts up as racing needs champions."

A range of views were offered on an open Gold Cup. Ronan Graham had a question mark over Our Duke's jumping if they go a real good clip, while Mulholland liked the look of the ever-improving Total Recall, who has won his last three races.

Winstanley favoured Might Bite due to his course form and the good record of second-season chasers.

Hoiles identified Might Bite and also gave a shout to Killultagh Vic who was leading in February's Irish Gold Cup before crashing out at the final fence. The latter received Elliott's vote.

Casey's concern over his stable's Killultagh Vic was his lack of experience but he did point out that the lightly-raced nine-year-old jumped well at home and was a previous Cheltenham winner in the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle.

On Total Recall, he said he has to improve but does stay well which could see him placed.

NAPS:

Ronan Graham - Project Bluebook (County Hurdle)

Richard Hoiles - Cause Of Causes (Cross Country)

Mark Winstanley - Divine Spear (Grand Annual Chase)

Neil Mulholland - Un De Sceaux (Ryanair Chase)

Gordon Elliott - Un De Sceaux (Ryanair Chase)

Gary O'Brien - Presenting Percy (RSA Chase)

David Casey - Laurina (Mares' Novices' Hurdle)