Just the 4 runners go to post but it is a fascinating contest with a pair of smart novice hurdlers from last season going head to head. Both have left Willie Mullins and it may come down to who has settled into new surroundings the quickest.
IN SUMMARY: On their novice form from last season, Apple’s Jade deserves to be a short price here. Whether she deserves to be quite so short on quick ground on her first seasonal start is open to question. With both she and PETIT MOUCHOIR having left Wilie Mullins, the value lies in her ex stablemate who could potentially be expected to settle into a new yard quicker than a 4yo filly.
1 My Manekineko – Has run well enough in a pair of handicaps at Chepstow and Ascot the last twice. He has the ability to pay his way at that level this season but is going to be some way short of what is required here.
2 Petit Mouchoir – Kept smart company as a novice, running at all 3 big Spring Festivals. Has left Willie Mullins since but David Mullins who has got on well with him in the past is in the plate. Unquestionably the biggest danger to the odds on favourite and may represent a bit of value.
3 Rashaan – Won his first three starts over hurdles but has been found out in stronger company since. Ran well when runner up to Hidden Cyclone when last seen in this discipline, that bare level of form is however, some way short of what is required here.
4 Apple’s Jade– Produced the stand out performance of the Grand National meeting when sluicing up by 41 lengths. She had no trouble following up at Punchestown despite not jumping well late on. Very quick ground would be a conern but as long as she has had no ill effects for moving yard, she is very much the one to beat.
myracing Forecast Prices: 4/11 Apple’s Jade, 5/2 Petit Mouchoir, 16/1 Rashaan, 20/1 My Manekineko