Could 'unknown of the race' Impervious be a surprise package for Colm Murphy?

Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Novice Hurdle (Grade 3) | 2m1f | RTV

This race is usually run to script but Skyace bucked the trend last season when running out an impressive winner at 66-1 en route to recording a Grade 1 success in the spring.

Prior to Skyace, favourites won five of the six previous runnings, with Willie Mullins responsible for four of those winners.

The champion trainer's sole representative Purple Mountain has been a rather fortuitous winner on both of her starts over hurdles and wouldn't be guaranteed to handle the ground if it comes up heavy.

Gordon Elliott would appear to be better represented by Glan and Party Central, with the latter boasting marginally better claims.

Glan showed plenty of pace when winning at Fairyhouse and, while Party Central only scrambled home on her hurdles debut at Listowel, she looks best equipped to deal with the conditions and is likely to improve from that sole outing over hurdles.

If there is a surprise package in the race, it could be the Colm Murphy-trained Impervious. Unbeaten in two starts, her form has since been boosted and she could pose a big threat to the principals.

What they say

Willie Mullins, trainer of Purple Mountain
With her pedigree I'm not sure if all of this rain is going to suit her. She was probably fortunate enough to win on her last two starts so it's going to be a tough task for her giving the weight away.

Colm Murphy, trainer of Impervious
She's the unknown in the race. She hasn't done anything wrong and she seems very well. I'd like to think that she's still improving and she's definitely got a lot more professional in her work. Both of her wins have been on nice ground but I think she'll handle softer ground.

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Glan and Party Central
I wouldn't like to see it get too soft for Glan but she did it well at Fairyhouse and has been in good form since. Party Central will come on a lot for winning at Listowel and we're looking forward to running her.

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