2m1f (2m179y) (New) Jack De Bromhead Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2) (The Dawn Run Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle) (GBB) (Class 1) (4yo+)
5lb penalties have been no barrier to success in this in previous renewals but you need a significant class edge to overcome them. Luccia might have that but faces stiff opposition here and it often pays to side with the Irish. Antepost selection HALKA DU TABERT escapes without a penalty and wasn’t messed around at Fairyhouse when behind Ashroe Diamond. It might be me seeing the glass half full but I don’t think she was ridden to win that race with a view to avoiding a penalty in this. The promise shown in her bumper, point and maiden hurdle suggest she will relish a strongly run Mares’ Novice on slow ground, and I’m excited to see her take her chance. Both Henry de Bromhead’s mares Magical Zoe and FOXY GIRL appeal as alternatives but it’s the latter who gets in without a penalty, will love the ground and has seemingly been chosen by Rachael Blackmore as the pick of the yard’s five runners. She beat In Excess at Limerick who bolted up next time beating Firm Footings 31l. The second favourite for this race, Willie Mullins’s Lot Of Joy, only beat Firm Footings 2l prior to that and that’s a significant collateral form edge for the selection.
1pt win Halka Du Tabert @14/1, 16:50 Cheltenham, Thursday (adv. antepost)
1pt win Foxy Girl @12/1, 16:50 Cheltenham, Thursday