1.20 2m. 179yds. 23 Declared. Ryanair Mares' Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2) (GBB Race) (Class 1 ) of £105,000.00 4-y-o plus
1st - €59,084.00 2nd - €22,260.00 3rd - €11,140.00 4th - €5,565.00 5th - €2,793.00 6th - €1,396.00 7th - €693.00 8th - €357.00
Formscan - Maughreen has won both outings to date (one bumper and one hurdle) by a combined total of 16 lengths and she is a fascinating runner for Willie and Patrick Mullins, while it is interesting that Paul Townend instead rides Solerina Mares Novice Hurdle scorer Aurora Vega. Galileo Dame was narrowly defeated in Grade 1 company at the Dublin Racing Festival and can go close with any further improvement, but preference is for Gavin Cromwell's SIXANDAHALF. This high-class Flat performer, and impressive Punchestown Festival bumper winner, looked a natural when bolting up on her hurdling debut at Fairyhouse in January and she should have a lot more to come in this sphere. Karoline Banbou is another with a chance for team Mullins, while Diva Luna and Jubilee Alpha look the pick of the English runners.