Exciting mare Elimay aiming to maintain perfect chasing record

Coolmore NH Sires Capri Irish EBF Mares Novice Chase (Grade 2) | 2m4½f | 5yo+| RTV

Elimay bids to continue her bright start to life over fences when taking on six rivals in a race won by high-class mares Camelia De Cotte, Dinaria Des Obeaux and Vroum Vroum Mag in recent years.

The Willie Mullins-trained six-year-old made an impressive chase debut in Grade 3 company at Cork last month, although the race was marred by the fatal fall of Sinoria, and now renews rivalry with three rivals from that contest.

One such challenger is Mags Mullins' course winner Agusta Gold, who produced a game performance when second to Salsaretta at Punchestown on New Year's Eve and should enjoy this trip.

Cut The Mustard was a clearcut winner at Limerick over Christmas and now steps up in class, while Caravation was the beneficiary of Good Thyne Tara's fall at Naas this month.

Agusta Gold: has never been out of the first four in 16 startsCredit: Patrick McCann

Dual chase winner Tintangle failed to impress with her jumping at Cork and fell when set a tough task at Limerick, while useful hurdler Western Victory is thrown in at the deep end for her chasing debut.

Key stat

Willie Mullins has won three of the last five and during the same period favourites have won on all bar one occasion (Bitofapuzzle fell as 3-10 favourite in 2016).

What they say

Mags Mullins, trainer of Agusta Gold
Elimay won nicely at Cork but hopefully our mare can run well against her over this longer trip. She's very honest and puts in a good performance every time she runs. With a clear round, she should give a good account.

Willie Mullins, trainer of Elimay and Cut The Mustard
Elimay has a penalty to contend with and isn't the biggest mare in the world but she won nicely on her chasing debut and jumps well. Cut The Mustard did the job well when winning by 14 lengths at Limerick last month. She's entitled to improve, although this will be a tougher assignment.

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Tintangle
Hopefully she can get her confidence back over fences but she's probably up against it. If she could run well and pick up more black-type we'd be happy.

Read exclusive previews from 6pm daily on racingpost.com and the Racing Post mobile app