'It looks a lovely race for her' - Dinoblue out to bolster festival claims

Sunday: Cork

Five of the last seven mares to land the Grade 2 O'Flynn Group Irish EBF Mares Novice Chase (1.45) have won at the Cheltenham Festival and there could be pointers to this season's bonanza.

Dinoblue, as short as 8-1 third favourite with the sponsors for the Mrs Paddy Power Mares' Chase at the festival, will bid to extend her unbeaten start to life over fences after a beginners' chase success at this venue three weeks ago.

A well-backed 11-8 favourite when disappointing in last season's Mares' Novices' Hurdle, the Willie Mullins-trained five-year-old appears to be highly regarded by connections.

She renews rivalry with the Jonathan Sweeney-trained Roseys Hollow, who finished three and three-quarter lengths behind her at Cork last time and is also owned by JP McManus.

Frank Berry on Dinoblue: 'It looks a lovely race for her and touch wood, she'll be able to do it again'Credit: David Keane (racingpost.com/photos)

"Dinoblue put in a good performance at Cork last time when we thought she jumped very well," said McManus's racing manager Frank Berry.

"It looks a lovely race for her, and touch wood she'll be able to do it again."

Berry added: "Roseys Hollow ran a good race behind Dinoblue last time but probably didn't jump as well as her and has a bit to do to turn the tables. Jonathan is very happy with her."

Mullins, who has won this 2m½f event with Vroum Vroum Mag, Elimay and Concertista, also has a live contender in chasing debutante Instit, runner-up in Listed company at last season's Punchestown festival.

However, trainer Colm Murphy could supply the biggest danger in Impervious, a Grade 3-winning novice hurdler last term who made a fine impression when scoring on her chasing debut at Wexford in October.

Impervious: out to extend her unbeaten start over fences for Colm MurphyCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Murphy said: "We're very happy with her and it's nice to be going into a race like this with a run over fences behind her. We were delighted with how she took to fences last time, how she settled and travelled."

Earlier on the card there could be clues for the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle in the Grade 3 Singletons Supervalu Stayers Novice Hurdle (1.15).

Letsbeclearaboutit, who finished second to American Mike on his hurdling debut at Down Royal last month and chased home Sir Gerhard and Kilcruit in bumpers, steps up in trip for Gavin Cromwell.

"We're looking forward to seeing what he can do," said Cromwell. "It's a competitive race but he seems to be in good nick."

Sean Doyle has described recent Punchestown maiden hurdle winner Monbeg Park as "very special" and is looking forward to seeing how the point-to-point and bumper winner fares over the 3m trip.

Monbeg Park: priced between 16-1 and 25-1 for the Albert Bartlett Novices' HurdleCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

"He's in great form and everything seems to be right for him," said Doyle. "There are some smart maiden hurdle winners in here but we're hopeful he'll be able to compete with them."

A race won by Grade 1 winners Black Hercules and Road To Riches in the last decade, there is also some star potential in the shape of the Henry de Bromhead-trained Hiddenvalley Lake, who impressed when winning a Naas maiden hurdle last month.

Cool Survivor, representing Gordon Elliott and Gigginstown, seeks a third win on the bounce after landing a Listed event over this course and distance last month.

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