Apple's Jade chance for redemption after shock Down Royal defeat

The bubble may have burst for Apple’s Jade at Down Royal this month but the mare could be given an immediate shot at redemption back at Grade 1 level in the Stanjames.com Fighting Fifth Hurdle this weekend.

Apple's Jade won Grade 1 juvenile hurdles at Aintree and Punchestown for Willie Mullins last season before being beaten at odds-on in a four-runner Grade 2 event at Down Royal on her first start for Gordon Elliott.

Elliott was disappointed with the Gigginstown filly and thoughts were turned to stepping her up in trip, but she could remain at two miles and head to Newcastle on Saturday.

"We've been thinking about stepping Apple's Jade up in trip but we're considering running her in the Fighting Fifth," said Elliott. "She's in good form and we might give her another chance over two miles."

Petit Mouchoir, whose trainer Henry de Bromhead landed the Newcastle event with Identity Thief a year ago, is an intended runner, while Hidden Cyclone is set to represent Shark Hanlon.

There were five British-trained entries, along with Ireland’s three, remaining in the £120,000 contest after the forfeit stage yesterday.

Apple’s Jade was a 7-1 chance last night with the race sponsor, whose market was headed by Sceau Royal at 5-4. The ground was yesterday described as good to soft, soft in places.