Jet Powered was good but Henderson mare deserves Supreme option

There was quality wherever you looked last weekend. L’Homme Presse was brilliant, Constitution Hill was spine-tingling, but do not forget the smooth hurdling debut of Luccia.

The mare came into this season with a substantial reputation after winning two bumpers last campaign, including a Listed event at Sandown, and made a striking reappearance at Newbury on Saturday.

It spoke volumes that her connections were willing to place her in Listed company against more experienced rivals for her comeback, but she justified their faith with a strong-travelling, clean-jumping performance.

Jet Powered: 7-1 for the Supreme after winning at NewburyCredit: Edward Whitaker

The clock backs up her visually stunning five-and-a-half-length win as she completed the course in 3m51sec, nearly 12 seconds quicker than her stablemate Jet Powered the day before.

Admittedly he carried 4lb more, but Luccia’s win came on marginally slower ground (0.1 according to the GoingStick) and she beat more established mares, so it was nevertheless a sparkling effort.

Racing Post Ratings back this up as Luccia was given a rating of 132 compared to Jet Powered’s 129, and the pair boast bundles of potential.

Luccia was cut to 9-2 for the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in March, but her owners would be foolish not to give the Supreme serious consideration given she is just as good if not better than Jet Powered, who is the 7-1 second favourite.

Only four mares have tried to win the race since 2010, but French Ballerina (1998) and Like-A-Butterfly (2002) both proved it could be done before the same-sex race was an option for novices.

Nicky Henderson mentioned the Kennel Gate Novices’ Hurdle on December 16 as a potential option for both Jet Powered and Luccia. If the mare turned up there, or even in another open contest, she could boost confidence for a Supreme bid.

The trainer may have said he detests running his horses against each other prior to the Fighting Fifth, but he hasn’t been afraid to in the Supreme for the last couple of years.

Luccia: Mares' Novices' Hurdle favourite should at least have the Supreme as an optionCredit: Edward Whitaker

He ran Constitution Hill and Jonbon in the race in March and fielded three in 2020 and two in 2019. Who could forget the 2011 running, when he sent out both Spirit Son and Sprinter Sacre (and Gibb River) to chase home Al Ferof?

Luccia’s dam was classy enough to finish second in the Sagaro Stakes and connections have reportedly considered Flat targets. With this in mind, the Grade 1 Supreme would surely look more attractive on her CV.

We’re getting into smaller details now and the race is still a long way off, but she is by The Gurkha, who won the French 2,000 Guineas and Sussex Stakes over a mile, so speed should be the name of her game.

The Old course would surely play better to her strengths than the extra half furlong of the mares’ race on the more demanding New course.

There is also the chance of slightly better ground on the opening day, whereas by the end of Thursday the track will be more chewed up and there is the potential it could have turned soft.

Plenty of water will go under the bridge before connections are compelled to decide which route to go and there are probably more speedy types waiting in the wings at Seven Barrows.

However, Luccia deserves to at least have the Supreme as an option and if others fall by the wayside don’t be surprised to see her step in.

Fry to unleash stable stars at Sandown

Harry Fry looks set for a big weekend. He has several horses entered at Sandown on Saturday, with his aforementioned festival winner Love Envoi set to make her seasonal reappearance in the 2m handicap hurdle (2.20).

The mare won the Grade 2 Jane Seymour at the track last season and has the potential to make up into leading contender for the Mares’ Hurdle, for which she is currently 20-1.

The trainer could also unleash exciting prospect Altobelli in the opening novice hurdle (12.00), which was won by Constitution Hill last year.

The four-year-old was well backed and made an eyecatching start when a comfortable winner of an Exeter bumper in February. A bold performance could see him tackle a race like the Tolworth Hurdle.

Fry could have two arrows to fire in the mares’ handicap hurdle (12.35) in the shape of Listed course winner Whitehotchillifili and the unexposed Whisky Express.

Boothill: could put it up to Jonbon at SandownCredit: Edward Whitaker

Boothill jumped and travelled strongly to win the Hurst Park at Ascot last time. He is a year older and has more chasing experience than Jonbon, so don’t be surprised if he gives the Arkle favourite something to think about in the Henry VIII Novices’ Chase (1.45).

Revels Hill should be among the market principals for the London National (3.30) after a commendable effort over an inadequate trip last time. The unexposed type looks sure to improve on his second to Your Darling and this marathon trip should bring out the best in him.

The Dorset trainer was dealt a cruel hand when he lost top-class novice hurdler Neon Wolf five years ago, but this weekend could usher in a new dawn for a yard housing plenty of smart prospects.

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