Ryan McElligott

1.40 BAR ONE RACING

HATTON’S GRACE

HURDLE (GRADE 1)

2M 4F

Dedigout: Very smart staying hurdler at his best and has a host of graded victories to his name. On his comeback at Navan last month he shaped up quite well behind Snow Falcon but much more is needed on this occasion and softer ground and longer trip would suit him better too.

Monksland: Formerly a high-class staying hurdler, he has been trying his hand over fences for the last year and has posted some good efforts but hasn’t convinced with his jumping. On the pick of his hurdles form he would be an interesting contender but he comes here with questions to answer following a below par effort at Clonmel last time.

Shaneshill: Classy and commendably versatile sort whose efforts last season included an excellent second in the RSA Chase at Cheltenham and a 7l second to Thistlecrack over hurdles at Aintree the following month. Expect him to be all the better for his recent comeback third behind Snow Falcon and it would be unwise to underestimate him.

Ivanovich Gorbatov: Emerged as a leading juvenile hurdler last season when landing the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham, beating Apple’s Jade. Hasn’t quite reached those heights since then and his two efforts this term leave him some way short.

Vroum Vroum Mag: Outstanding mare who is unbeaten since joining Willie Mullins and has shown a remarkable level of versatility during that time. Ended last season with top-flight wins at Cheltenham and Punchestown and appeals as contender for championship honours in a variety of disciplines this term. She will surely come on for this seasonal return but, even still, she cannot be opposed.

Whiteout: Very smart mare at her best and did win at Grade 1 level last season when shocking stablemate Limini in a mares’ hurdle at Punchestown. She still needs to progress on her best form to land a prize of this stature and her stable looks to be fielding stronger candidates.

Apple’s Jade: Ended last season as one of the standout juvenile hurdlers of modern times with her stunning Grade 1 triumph at Aintree her best effort of the campaign. Has found things appreciably tougher this term but her second in last weekend’s Fighting Fifth was encouraging and she will almost certainly improve for this longer trip. Could run well provided last week’s exertions haven’t taken too much out of her.

VERDICT

Vroum Vroum Mag has carried all before her since coming to Ireland and she should take all the beating despite lacking the advantage of a recent outing. Her classy stablemate Shaneshill could well give her most to do, while the step up to two and a half miles should be ideal for last season’s star juvenile, Apple’s Jade.