Connections hopeful of big show from Uranna

Connections of Uranna are well aware of the task she faces in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Novice Hurdle Championship Final at Fairyhouse.

Willie Mullins has won the last two renewals with Annie Power and Adriana Des Mottes and also runs Petite Parisienne, already a Grade One winner, and Lyrical Theatre.

Uranna earned her place in the field with a good win at Sandown in February.

Steve Massey, representing owners Supreme Racing Club, said: "She's a really good mare. She's already won a Listed race at Sandown and we know she stays.

"The ground will be no issue, although I think she'd be better on nice ground. We're hopeful, but under no illusions - this is the strongest this race has ever been, there's real strength in depth. Bitofapuzzle stays really well and is the clear form pick, so I think we're up against it if I'm honest.

"We were delighted at Sandown and she's still improving. As a youngster she had some injury issues so it's nice to see her come good."

Ruby Walsh had the choice but arguably he would have ridden Morning Run had she been running, but he explained to the Irish Examiner that she misses the race with a setback.

"Morning Run misses the Grade One mares' race as she had a hold up, but Willie still has three," said Walsh.

"Patrick (Mullins) was always likely to ride Lyrical Theatre as he knows the owners. She was a bit disappointing in Limerick but seems to be in good form since. Paul (Townend) rides Uranna, who's a good stayer.

"I'm on Petite Parisienne and I thought she ran well in the Triumph. A four-year-old, Adriana Des Mottes, won it in last year so that's not a negative. I think Petite will stay. I haven't ridden her very much, but I sat on her on Thursday morning and she worked fine. She gets a good allowance, which is a help."

Mullins suggested on his website that Walsh could be on the right one.

"Lyrical Theatre might need better ground but her best form is very good and she will go very well if the ground keeps drying out," he said.

"Uranna won over this trip at Sandown and that form entitles her to run. She is improving all the time and will give backers a good run for their money.

"Petite Parisienne is probably the best of the three and she ran very well when fifth in the Triumph. She is a very good mare but it will be tough for a four-year-old even with her weight allowance."