Irish Stallion Farms EBF Honeysuckle Mares Novice Hurdle Final (Grade 1)

A Penny A Hundred: Off the mark at odds-on for hurdles debut at Limerick in October but no match when facing each of today’s principals Jetara and Jade De Grugy on her next two starts and beaten a similar distance by Bioluminescence when upped up in trip for most recent start at Limerick. Has a bit to find.

Bioluminscence: Second to Look To The West in mares’ maiden hurdle at Navan in November but two wins from two runs since, when accounting for Tareze comfortably at Punchestown and then when upped in trip to two miles six furlongs for Limerick Grade 3. Her turn of foot was evident late on in that latter steadily-run contest so coming back in trip should be fine. Will need to improve but looks to be going in the right direction.

Cuta Des As: Did well to account for Tareze on hurdles debut at Punchestown (two miles six furlongs), quickening up past that mare in the straight, while giving away both race fitness and hurdles experience. Likely more to come but this is a significant step up in class with a big field to contend with.

Friends: Two wins from two starts, in mares’ bumper at Wexford last July and then in Tramore maiden hurdle. Both those contests were weak in context of this race and she also has to contend with a 224-day break.

Fun Fun Fun: Smart bumper performer last season has transferred that ability to hurdles with three wins from four starts, throwing away her chance with a late mistake for her only defeat at Thurles. She was particularly good last time when making all for Grade 3 two-mile novice event at Naas. Missed Cheltenham which is likely a positive here and while step up to this trip is a question to answer, she looks one of the principals.

Irish Emery: Third in Naas bumper in December but off the mark at first time of asking over hurdles when four lengths too good for Whimsy over two miles at this course in February. That was likely a weak heat, so she has a big step up in class now.

Jade De Grugy: Made a big impression on stable/hurdles debut when making all at Leopardstown, burning off the only horse who could go with her easily to win by 15 lengths before setting herself up for Cheltenham bid when picking up smartly to win the Grade 3 Solerina here in January. Only fourth at Chelteham, but the speed test that enveloped there is unlikely to have played to her strengths and step up in trip now looks a positive. Huge player if over her Cheltenham exertions.

Jetara: Second season novice has taken full advantage of that opportunity, reeling off three wins which started with a 15-length score at this course in November before she moved through the ranks with wins at listed and Grade 3 level. Very respectable effort when three-length third to Dancing City in Grade 1 Nathaniel Lacy, her first try at that longer trip, and may have had a mitigating factor when her rider lost one of her irons briefly at a significant point of the race. Kept away from Cheltenham and looks a leading player now back against her own sex.

Judicieuse Allen: Off the mark, just about, on stable/seasonal debut at Limerick over Christmas but has since struggled to land a telling blow in Grade 3 events here in Solerina (fifth) and at Limerick (fourth).

Look To The West: Created a good impression on hurdles debut when winning at Navan in November, jumped to her right but still had too much for useful Bioluminescence, who has since won twice. She was third here in Grade 3 Solerina, just under seven lengths away from Jade De Grugy. Has to improve on that but step up in trip and likely stronger pace on in this big field could help her.

Only By Night: Very smart winner of listed bumper at Navan in November before embarking on hurdles career and landing hat-trick win with 10-length score at Naas. Blotted her copybook when only third at Lingfield in January but she may be better than that.

Paggane: Off the mark at fourth time of asking at Punchestown last month, staying on strongly late on to see off Cut The Rope. Has gradually improved for racing and could step forward again but plenty on her plate.

Pastorale: Still a maiden in four starts over hurdles (has won a chase in France) bumping into useful sorts like Birdie Or Bust/Fun Fun Fun in listed contest at Thurles and then Brighterdaysahead over two miles five furlongs at Navan. Will need to take a jump forward in class to have a real say.

Pink In The Park: The most experienced mare in the field with 11 hurdles starts, which should count for something especially against those coming into this off the back of maiden hurdle wins. That said, on all known recent form, she is well held by both Jade De Grugy and Jetara, so her winning chance is limited.

Spindleberry: Smart winner on first time of asking over hurdles over this course and distance, staying on strongly after the last to account for True Testimony. Potentially nice type but this could be a bit too much too soon.

Springtime Promise: Well held in a Ballinrobe mares’ maiden hurdle last August but has since joined Fergal O’Brien and been a perfect three wins from three starts, the latest in a Grade 2 at Sandown. She looked held there at the second last before producing strong finish to get the better of Cherie D’Am. This is probably a lot stronger but comes here fresh and shouldn’t be underestimated.

Tareze: Point winner has yet to win in two starts, behind Bioluminescence and then Cuta Des As, both at Punchestown. A lot more on her plate here.

Theatre Native: Always in control late on for her maiden hurdle win here last month (two miles) and step up in trip should suit but this is obviously a lot more difficult.

Conclusion

It’s great to see such a big field but the front two in the market look the ones to concentrate on with preference for Jetara over Jade De Grugy. Jessica Harrington’s mare has the best form in the race and comes here fresh. Of the lightly-raced types, Cuta Des As might be one to spring from the pack.