THE final set of graded entries for the Festival were revealed this week with the Mares’ Novice Hurdle and Mares’ Chase.

With the strength of the mares’ programme here, it’s no surprise that Irish stables dominate with 29 of the 42 entries in the Irish-trained Grade 2 Parnell Properties Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle on the Thursday.

All six previous running of the Mares’ Novice Hurdle have gone to Irish yard, with five to Closutton. Odds have varied from Laurina’s 4/7 to Eglantine Du Seuil win at 50/1 in 2019.

The stable dominate again with Grade 3 Fairyhouse one-two Allegorie De Vassy and Brandy Love at 3 and 4/1, joined by wide-margin Clonmel winner Dinoblue. Gordon Elliott’s Leopardstown winner Party Central features at a best-priced 8/1.

Dan Skelton’s recent winner Elle Est Belle is the best of the British at 7/1.

Also revealed were the entries for the Grade 2 Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Chase to be run as the second last race on the Friday. Of the 15 entries, 10 are trained in Ireland.

Last year’s inaugural running was won by Colreevy by half a length from Elimay and that Willie Mullins trained grey is one of the favourites to go one better after her convincing win the weekend. She heads the betting with her stable mate Concertisa (who also has a Grade 1 Mares’ Hurdle entry) and Gordon Elliott’s Mount Ida, who the trainer stated is a definite runner this week.

Elliott’s Riviere D’Etel, who also has entries in two of the novices’, is next choice, while Henry de Bromhead’s November Cheltenham winner Gin On Lime was targeted at this from that success. De Bromhead has also entered his Arkle and Champion Chase winner Put The Kettle On. She has proved disappointing this season.

The Glancing Queen is the shortest of the British runners at around 8/1 after her second place to L’Homme Presse in the Grade 2 Dipper Novices at Cheltenham in January.