2m1f (New) Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2) (Registered As The Dawn Run Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle) (GBB) (Class 1) (4yo+)
The support behind Dinoblue over the last week or so has been exceptionally strong, and she has to be feared based on her the performance of her first start for Willie Mullins. He has an exceptional record in this race, but not always with his supposed first-string.
There is a fair chance that Hor Piste could outrun her odds for the Mullins yard, but BRANDY LOVE has drifted to a very backable price now at 11/2 having been as short as 5/2 a few weeks ago.
An impressive maiden hurdle winner on a left-handed track, she threw her chance away going right-handed in the Solerina Mares Novice Hurdle (Grade 3) at Fairyhouse back in January when losing to the ruled-out Allegory De Vassy. That race has been won by the likes of Limini and Honeysuckle in the past and barring Brandy Love’s extremely wayward jumping left, I am sure that she would have added her name to the role of honour. She still ran a remarkable race in the context of that outing finishing close to the leader despite loses at least 10-15 lengths due to her erratic behaviour.
The return to a left-handed track is sure to suit her though and I think the market has overreacted to her one unorthodox performance. Brand Love still has more experience against top class mares than her stablemate Dinoblue, has hopefully matured from her last start, and has certainly got the class to win this with Paul Townend selecting her over the other seven entered by her trainer.
1pt win Brandy Love @11/2, 16:50 Cheltenham, Thursday