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Down Royal’s big two day meeting has a pair of Graded races on day 1. They begin with a mares only Grade 3 over 2 miles where seven runners go to post.
IN SUMMARY: It would be easy to row in with the short priced favourite Airlie Beach here given the unbeaten start to her career. Those wins have come over further though and in SHATTERED LOVE she takes on her strongest competition yet. While she may have enough to see off the Gordon Elliott trained mare, she is no value to do so.
1 Airlie Beach – Same connections won this contest in 2015 and look to have a prime candidate to do so again. Unbeaten in 5 career starts, she has shown improved form since using front running tactics. All her wins have come over a longer trip than this which would be the only niggling concern, she is a deserving favourite and is the one to beat.
2 Field Robin – Went close in a pair of maiden hurdles in September, runner up on each occasion. There is likely a small handicap to be found with her in due course but this looks far too tough a task.
3 Hello Sweetie – A winner twice in 2016, over hurdles at Cork and fences at Clonmel. She made all the running last time when successful so while her chance is slim, she could play spoiler to the favourite if taking her on up front.
4 Little Folke – The least exposed of these after just 3 starts, she was arguably unlucky to be disqualified when first past the post last time. She has improved with each run and while this is a massive step up in class, she isn’t dismissed out of hand.
5 Miss Eyecatcher – Lived up to her name in bumpers, rattling up a hat-trick this year. This looks a tough place to start out over hurdles, she has progressed with each start but will need another significant jolt of improvement to triumph here.
6 Rosshaven Lady – Finally off the mark at the 6th attempt over hurdles last time out. She has already been beaten over hurdles by both Hello Sweetie and Shattered Love so will need to find much improved form to win this.
7 Shattered Love – 3rd in the mares bumper at the Grand National meeting, she dotted up on her hurdling debut. Her form has all been on softer ground than she will encounter here but she looks a smart recruit and is comfortably the biggest danger to the favourite.
myracing Forecast Prices: 4/7 Airlie Beach, 9/2 Shattered Love, 8/1 Rosshaven Lady, 12/1 Little Folke, 16/1 Miss Eyecatcher, 20/1 Hello Sweetie, 33/1 Field Robin