It's a feast as Apple's Jade and Supasundae clash in Hatton's Grace

2.40 Fairyhouse
Baroneracing.com Hatton's Grace Hurdle (Grade 1) | 4yo+ | 2m4f | RTE2/ATR

Elliott star seeking Hatton's Grace hat-trick

Apple’s Jade will be attempting to emulate another star mare, Solerina, by landing this Grade 1 event for the third consecutive year.

The Gordon Elliott-trained ace faces nine rivals, including the high-class Supasundae, in the richest race on the Fairyhouse programme which a year ago saw Elliott land all three Grade 1 events on the card.

Solerina achieved the feat in 2003, 2004 and 2005 and seven-time Grade 1 winner Apple’s Jade, who often makes the running, goes into the race off an 11-length win in the Grade 2 Lismullen Hurdle at Navan last month on her first start since April.

That effort went a long way to restoring her reputation after two below-par efforts at the end of last term when she came in season at the Cheltenham and Punchestown festivals.

Watch Limini win the Lismullen Hurdle

Gordon Elliott was delighted with her return to form at Navan and is looking forward to her Hatton’s Grace hat-trick bid.

He said: “She came out of Navan well and is in good form. You’d expect her to improve from her first run of the season and, fingers crossed, she should have a big chance of winning the race again.”

Apple’s Jade heads a team of four from Elliott’s yard with Triumph Hurdle winner Farclas, Dortmund Park and Sutton Place also in the line-up.

Elliott said: “Farclas had a wind operation after last season and has been working well, but he needs to improve at this level. Dortmund Park, too, has to find a good bit if he is to be seriously involved while Sutton Place is very good on his day but has been off for a long time. Rain would be a help for him.”

Supasundae returns

Supasundae: runs for the first time since his Punchestown victoryCredit: Alan Crowhurst

A model of consistency over a variety of distances, Supasundae will be making his first appearance since landing the Betdaq Punchestown Champion Hurdle at Punchestown in April.

The Jessica Harrington-trained eight-year-old also landed the Irish Champion Hurdle last season and has also shown top class form over today’s trip and further.

Twice placed behind Apple’s Jade last season, Supasundae missed the Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown last month due to quick ground and Harrington, who landed the prize with Jezki five years ago, said: “After missing the Morgiana, we thought this was a good race in which to start him off.

“It’s a strong contest with Apple’s Jade against us but Supasundae is in great form and I’ve got him as fit as I can at home.

“The trip will suit him and he’s there to give it his best shot. We’ll see how he gets on and the race will give us a clearer idea as to where he might go next.”

Limini leads Mullins team

Willie Mullins has sent out three winners of the event, most recently with Arctic Fire in 2015, and the champion trainer runs four including Limini who will be running over hurdles for the first time since finishing third behind Apple’s Jade in the Mares' Hurdle at the 2017 Cheltenham Festival.

Ruby Walsh rides the seven-year-old of whom Mullins said: “She had a few good runs on the Flat over the summer and although her last two efforts were disappointing, she’s in good order and we’re looking forward to her going back jumping. Hopefully, hurdles will reignite her.”

Bapaume, last seen at Auteuil in June when he landed the Grade 2 Prix la Barka, Shaneshill, third in this race two years ago, and Wicklow Brave complete the Mullins quartet.

“Hopefully, Bapaume will be fit enough for this level of competition after his break. Any rain would be welcome. Shaneshill, too, is coming back from a break while Wicklow Brave is better than he ran in the Morgiana last time and will like the trip and the ground," Mullins said.

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