Four magical mares who could make their mark over Christmas

Over the holiday period the girls could turn out to be angels at the top of jump racing's tree, with several superb mares in action over the next few days. Here are four to note

La Bague Au Roi
1.55 Kempton December 26

A top hurdler who won at Grade 2 level before finishing down the field in the Stayers' Hurdle at Cheltenham and then the Punchestown festival equivalent last season, La Bague Au Roi looks to be even better over fences.

She is unbeaten in two chase outings this season, most recently in a Grade 2 at Newbury, and now tests her mettle at the highest level in the 32Red Kauto Star Novices' Chase. With her mares' allowance and accurate jumping, she could still have more to offer.

Verdana Blue
2.30 Kempton December 26

Stablemate Buveur D'Air is the hot favourite for the Unibet Christmas Hurdle, but Verdana Blue could give the Champion Hurdle winner most to do. If the ground does not become too soft at Kempton then she should not be dismissed after taking her form to a new level this season with her most recent win coming in Wincanton's Elite Hurdle.

Apple's Jade and Bryan Cooper clear the last to win the 2017 Mares Champion HurdleCredit: Caroline Norris

Apple's Jade
1.55 Leopardstown December 28

An established star, Apple's Jade has delivered several memorable performances already, including last year's win in the Squared Financial Christmas Hurdle at Leopardstown. She is back to defend her crown, and bidding to win a ninth Grade 1, a feat made all the more remarkable given she is only six.

Shattered Love
3.00 Leopardstown December 28

At last season's Cheltenham Festival we got an idea of how good Shattered Love could be when she won the JLT Novices' Chase. Trainer Gordon Elliott holds the seven-year-old in such regard that he believes she could take a hand in a Cheltenham Gold Cup, and that claim will come under scrutiny on Friday when she lines up in the Savills Chase.

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