4.10 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Honeysuckle Mares’ Novice Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m 4f

Air Of Entitlement: Trained and ridden to perfection to win the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham on just her second start over hurdles. Possibly caught Sixandahalf cold on that occasion, but certainly open to improvement as a massively unexposed six-year-old.

Aurora Vega: Encouraging that she’s the pick of Paul Townend and has won her last two appearances at this venue, including in the Grade 3 Solerina. A 22-length defeat at Cheltenham behind Air Of Entitlement makes it hard to pitch a strong case for her, though.

Dream On Baby: Has form over further and her best performance came here earlier in the season when second to Aurora Vega in the Solerina. Well-beaten at Limerick since, however, and has plenty of work to do to trouble the big players.

Hey Sunshine: Unbeaten in three starts over hurdles and represents Willie Mullins, so can’t be entirely ruled out from running well at a big price, but her form was in much calmer waters than these and testing ground is another unknown to deal with.

Karamoja: Clonmel maiden hurdle winner is one of the better-fancied runners from Closutton, based on jockey bookings. Beaten 13 and a half lengths in the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham so improvement required, but it’s possible she could be all the better for this switch to testing ground.

Karoline Banbou: Seemingly always held in top regard by the champion trainer and fared best of his runners in this year’s Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle team at Cheltenham when fourth behind Air Of Entitlement (beaten nine lengths). Previous form suggests she could appreciate the rain, compared to the better surface she encountered last time. No shock if she reached the frame to pick up Grade 1 blacktype at an each-way price.

Kmil Du Seuil: Spanish Moon five-year-old has never raced over hurdles or run for Willie Mullins, so is bidding to pull off a ‘Poniros’ in Grade 1 company. She has considerably less achieved than that stablemate, however, and would be a complete shock winner after finishing third, beaten a length, in a 12-runner French bumper on her only previous outing.

Kom Tu Voudras: Another making her first start for Willie Mullins after finishing third in a French bumper in 2023. Bred to be useful and from a family that her owner, J.P. McManus, is familiar with. Still, this would require a sensational training performance to deliver the goods on her stable bow.

Maughreen: Got a raw deal at the start of the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle that effectively ended her chances there, so a much fairer reflection of her ability will be attained here. Patrick Mullins, who was aboard the previously unbeaten six-year-old at Cheltenham, retains the ride.

Sixandahalf: Smart flat stayer created a big impression when winning a maiden hurdle here in January, sent off 85/40 favourite for the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham on the back of that. Traded as short as 1/25 in the in-running markets there before getting gunned down late on by a more patiently ridden Air Of Entitlement. Only half a length to turn around with that rival and could be well capable of doing that if progressing on just her third hurdles start.

Swing Davis: Had a serious fight on her hands when main rival fell at the last in a Navan maiden hurdle last time, so definite improvement required in this company. Blacktype bumper mare is Gordon Elliott’s sole runner in the line-up.

Tareze: Experienced mare (pulled up in this last year) looked better than ever in Navan listed event two starts ago before taking a heavy fall while still travelling well at the third last in Limerick Grade 3 last time. Likeable type but more on her plate now.

That’ll Do Moss: Fergal O’Brien-trained challenger was narrowly denied in a Sandown Grade 2 two starts ago, before shock second as 1/10 favourite at Ayr. Has more ability than she showed last time, but must find clear improvement to play a role.

The Big Westerner: Admirable, unexposed mare lost little in defeat when second in the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham, beaten two and a half lengths by Jasmin De Vaux. Drop back to this trip a slight concern, given how effective she was over the extended two miles and seven furlongs at Limerick over Christmas, but all the rain is bound to bring her stamina into proceedings.

Venusienne: Beaten 28 lengths on debut for Willie Mullins in the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham. Authorized mare was second in listed company at Auteuil on her only other start and has a future - this just looks a big task for now.

World Of Fortunes: Smart mare was well-placed to pick up listed mares’ event at Doncaster last time over an extended three miles. Not sure whether she’s crying out for testing ground, given her overall form, but maybe it will help bring her stamina into play.

Conclusion

Cheltenham form will be tested here and slightly different tactics with Sixandahalf could work the trick to reverse the placings with Air Of Entitlement. Both mares are coming here relatively fresh for this time of the season. The Big Westerner is fully entitled to be in the mix if this trip isn’t too sharp for her, but the selection might just have a bit too much pace for her, given her flat background. Karoline Banbou looks to represent each-way value to reach the frame.