Braganza back from motherhood but must improve jumping to land this Listed prize

Bet Victor Irish EBF Boreen Belle Mares Novice Hurdle (Listed) | 2m | 4yo+ | RTV

What do Airlie Beach, Snow Leopardess and Braganza have in common? All three mares resumed their racing careers after giving birth, and it doesn’t appear to have done them any harm.

The Braganza story is particularly interesting. The mare was picked up at the mares' sale at Goffs in November 2018 by Sharon Noonan for just €6,000 and, after a 1,439-day absence from the track, became the owner's first winner at Thurles last month.

It was a win that clearly meant a lot to Noonan, as she gave an emotional interview to Racing TV in Willie Mullins’ absence, and there could well be more tears of joy here.

Braganza has been found an ideal opportunity to bag black type but, if she is going to make it two from two over hurdles, she will need to jump better than she did last month.

Ring-rustiness can be expected from one who overcame an absence of more than four years and Braganza clearly holds obvious claims considering she has plenty of scope for improvement.

Lunar Display probably sets the standard for Joseph O’Brien. She has chased home talented Gordon Elliott-trained geldings on her last two starts and holds obvious claims back in grade and in trip.

Declan Queally trains and rides the only other realistic challenger, The Getaway Star, who rarely runs a bad race.

What they say

Joseph O'Brien, trainer of Lunar Display
She’s in good form. It doesn’t appear to be the strongest of Listed races and we’re hoping for more black type. She’s a good, solid filly.

Declan Queally, trainer of The Getaway Star
The ground was a bit tacky for her the last day at Punchestown. She seems to be in good order in herself and it would be great to sneak another bit of black type with her.

Willie Mullins, trainer of Braganza
She will have to improve on her jumping a lot to compete in this race but she needs to get on the racetrack to improve her jumping. She has schooled well at home since winning her maiden hurdle at the track. However, she needs racing miles to improve her jumping.

Paula Coffey, daughter of Donal Coffey, trainer of Family Business
We’re hopeful more than confident. We’d love to pick up a bit of black type with her. She’s a lovely mare and she’s in good form. She deserves to take her chance and we’re hoping for a big run.

£30 in free bets when you place any bet. New customers only. First single & e/w bet only. 5p minimum stake. 3 x £10 bet tokens. Free bet stakes not included in returns. Free bets exclude virtuals. Free bets are non-withdrawable. No free bet expiry. Eligibility restrictions and further T&Cs apply. 18+. Begambleaware.org.