Violin hits rightnote for Nicholls and Walsh

Report: Ascot, Saturday

1942 Was A Vintage Year Mares' Hurdle (registered as the Warfield Mares' Hurdle) (Grade 2) 3m, 4yo+

PAUL NICHOLLS and Ruby Walsh found themselves in the winner's enclosure after Violin Davis reversed form withKentford Grey Lady to win the Grade 2 mares hurdle at Ascot on Saturday.

The 11-4 winner was third behind Kentford Grey Lady at Kempton last month, but turned that round, coming out on top by half a length.

Irish raider Our Girl Salley finished third under Barry Geraghty.

The Kempton contest was over 3m and Nicholls thinks the drop in trip suited Violin Davis, who is likely to be aimed the David Nicholson Mares' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

"She looked like she'd win at Kempton, but didn't stay," said Nicholls. "It was a great ride by Ruby and I thought if she was in front turning in she wouldn't get beat."

Nicholls, who trains the six-year-old for Andrew Polson, added: "She's okay. I don't think it's a great bunch of mares, but she's tough and genuine and gives her owner a lot of fun.

"We'll probably aim high with her and go to Cheltenham."

Violin Davis is 12-1 with bet365 for the David Nicholson, but Boylesports offer 25-1.