Hatton's Grace Hurdle: lack of prep run no problem for Honeysuckle - De Bromhead

baroneracing.com Hatton's Grace Hurdle (Grade 1) | 2m4f | 4yo+ | RTE2/RTV

It will take something special to bring Honeysuckle's unbeaten run to an end here.

Very much the jewel in the crown of Henry de Bromhead’s team of winter warriors, Honeysuckle has proved a cut above her rivals in all eight of her starts to date, including in this race last year.

If there is one performance which encapsulates all that is great about the mare it is her Irish Champion Hurdle victory at Leopardstown. Despite looking beaten after the last, Honeysuckle battled back to beat Darver Star in an epic.

It’s what’s under the bonnet that makes Honeysuckle so good, and that will to win was there once again when she edged out Benie Des Dieux in a tactical running of the Mares’ Hurdle at Cheltenham when last seen.

While it is difficult to envisage an upset on a day where there are a number of short-priced favourites, it could be worth trying to find an alternative.

Fury Road would be the pick of the rest. Third when beaten only a neck in the Albert Bartlett last season, a race in which the form has worked out well with the winner Monkfish impressing on his chasing debut on Saturday and fourth-home Thyme Hill winning a red-hot Grade 2 over hurdles at Newbury on Friday, Fury Road also has the benefit of having a run under his belt after winning impressively on his return at Punchestown a fortnight ago.

The one snag is that Gordon Elliott’s six-year-old has a relatively quick turnaround to overcome, but he would appear the one best placed to take advantage if there are any chinks in Honeysuckle’s armour.

Ronald Pump and Bacardys, second and third respectively in last season’s Stayers’ Hurdle, have a squeak even if their form suggests they need further than 2m4f. Supasundae may be a three-time Grade 1 winner, but it is a long time since he showed his old spark and is easily passed over.

Beacon Edge: progressive hurdler won a Grade 3 at GalwayCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

That leaves Beacon Edge as the only other serious challenger to Honeysuckle and, while it will take a career-best from Noel Meade’s three-time hurdles winner, it is not beyond the realms of possibility that he can make the step up.

Beacon Edge comes into the race following cosy victories at Downpatrick (handicap) and Galway (Grade 3), but he is open to further progress and, along with Fury Road, ought to give Honeysuckle most to think about.

De Bromhead delighted with Honeysuckle

Henry de Bromhead does not do hyperbole but when you have a mare like Honeysuckle in your care you don’t need to.

Honeysuckle has done the talking on the track and is unbeaten in eight starts, including four at the highest level, and the bookmakers make her a short price to take that Grade 1 haul to five here.

Honeysuckle had the benefit of a run under her belt when storming to Hatton’s Grace victory 12 months ago, but De Bromhead does not think the lack of match practice will count against her here.

“We’re delighted with her," said De Bromhead. "She seems to be in great form at home. She had a prep run for this last year and while she hasn’t had a run this season, I don’t think that will be a problem.

"I’d imagine we'll chart a similar path to last year and it will be Leopardstown at Christmas next, but we’ll get this out of the way first.”

What they say

Willie Mullins, trainer of Bacardys
He was second to Honeysuckle in this race last year and she is the one to beat again this time. We'll be happy if we get a decent share of the prize-money.

Noel Meade, trainer of Beacon Edge
He’s in great shape and I couldn’t be happier with him. This will tell us where we're at.

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Cracking Smart and Fury Road
Fury Road won well on his comeback at Punchestown, but Honeysuckle looks like she'll be very hard to beat. Cracking Smart has it all to do.

Matthew Smith, trainer of Ronald Pump
He wasn’t beaten when he fell at the last in the Lismullen Hurdle and I'm very happy with how he's come out of that. His schooling and his work has been very good since. He’s entitled to his place in the line-up.

Kate Harrington, assistant to Jessica Harrington, trainer of Supasundae
His weight is better than we’ve ever had it for this time of year and he’s taking his racing well, as he always does. It’s great to have Robert [Power] back on and we’ll make a decision about what way we go after this.

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