Can anything get close to runaway festival winner Laurina?

Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Novice Hurdle Final | Grade 1 | 2m4f | 4yo+ | ATR

KEY QUESTIONS

Cheltenham Festival races are not designed to be won by 18 lengths but the Willie Mullins-trained Laurina confirmed herself as something out of the ordinary when fully justifying her skimpy 4-7 starting price in last month’s Grade 2 Trull House Stud Mares' Novices' Hurdle.

Paul Townend is not one to get carried away, but even he couldn't contain his delight after that Cheltenham success, and the former champion rider is bubbling with excitement ahead of their latest test together.

He said: “I’m really looking forward to riding her. She was exceptional at Cheltenham and all seems to have been very well with her since so we can’t wait.”

Mullins also reports the Sullivan Bloodstock-owned star to be ready for action, and said: “She was very impressive when landing the Grade 2 mares’ novice hurdle at Cheltenham and has appeared to be fine since that race, so we’re very much looking forward to seeing her in action again.”

Will one of Willie's upset the hotpot?

In terms of strength in depth, this is a race in which Mullins can not only harbour dreams of winning, but he will be hopeful of picking up plenty of place prize money as well.

Cut The Mustard, Pietralunga and Salsaretta were no match for Laurina at Cheltenham but are running on their merits while Redhotfillypeppers was a good winner at Punchestown last time and is sure to handle the ground under her owner-rider David Dunsdon.

Mullins said: “Cut The Mustard, Pietralunga and Salsaretta all ran in Laurina’s race at Cheltenham and again join her in the line-up. Cut The Mustard probably did too much at Cheltenham and had a hard race. She takes her chance and we’ll be delighted if she can earn some prize money.

He added: “Pietralunga might prefer better ground, while Salsaretta performed quite well at Cheltenham before falling at the last and with a clear round this time she might get some black type.

Redhotfillypeppers: was a winner last timeCredit: Patrick McCann

“Redhotfillypeppers completes our team for the race and, while she has plenty of improvement to find, she stays well and will love the ground.”

Will Dawn Shadow get her day in the sun?

It’s impossible to say just how well Dawn Shadow was travelling when she fell at the top of the hill in the Grade 2 mares’ novice at Cheltenham, but Ciaran Murphy, assistant trainer to Dot Love, reports their charge to be none the worse for that mishap and is expecting a bold showing.

Murphy said: "We were delighted with how she was before Cheltenham and Rachael [Blackmore] was happy with how she was travelling before she fell."

Connections are confident Dawn Shadow (pictured) can run a big race after falling last timeCredit: Patrick McCann

He added: “Now, the favourite looks something special, but I’d be expecting a very big run from our mare over 2m4f on soft ground. She’s absolutely fine after Cheltenham and we quietly fancy her.”

Can Lackaneen lead Laurina on a merry dance?

Gordon Elliott’s Lackaneen Leader may be coming here chasing her fourth straight success, but her handler is realistic about the chances of getting the better of odds-on favourite Laurina.

He said: “She’s in great form but it’s a hot race and if we could sneak a bit of black-type we’d be delighted.”

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