Paul Carberry, Nick Alexander and Gavin Sheehan review the weekend action
Mares’ Hurdle or Champion Hurdle: where would you aim Honeysuckle?
Paul Carberry, former jockey I don’t envy the decision connections have to make but my gut feeling is her jumping isn’t exactly what you need from a true two-mile mare. There’s no hiding place in the Champion Hurdle and I think Honeysuckle’s best run was over 2m4f at Fairyhouse. Having said that, taking on Benie Des Dieux in the Mares’ Hurdle isn’t exactly ideal either.
Nick Alexander, trainer It depends on which race Benie Des Dieux runs in but I’d go for the Mares’ Hurdle. The festival needs a good mare in the race and it is more her trip. She just looked to get a bit outpaced turning in at Leopardstown.
Matt Hulmes, Betfred Champion Hurdle all day long. The form from Saturday will be crabbed but she showed a great attitude considering it was the first time she has faced a battle after being headed and she won’t be stopping up the hill. Benie Des Dieux will be a tough nut in the Mares' but the Champion remains wide open.
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