Step up in trip likely to suit Silver Forever as she bids for Listed prize

12.45 Sandown
Unibet Mares’ Hurdle | 2m4f | Listed | RTV

Silver Forever, pulled out of a similar race at Taunton on Monday on account of unsuitable ground, looks to have been found an excellent opportunity by champion trainer Paul Nicholls.

Runner-up to Misty Whisky in a Listed bumper at Sandown last March, the mare has taken well to hurdling this season and beat the highly regarded Floressa by a short head at Newbury in November.

Floressa turned the tables on a return visit to Newbury later that month when Silver Forever could only finish third, but that form still looks good enough to make her seriously competitive even without the distinct likelihood of improvement now she steps up in trip.

Nicholls said: "Two miles is really too short for her and two and a half will be much better. It’s a testing track and she's run well at Sandown before so hopefully this is a much better race for her."

Indefatigable, who has to concede 2lb to her four rivals, looks the one to beat under regular partner Gavin Sheehan.

Paul Webber's mare was sent off favourite at Wetherby in November to beat Lady Buttons and, while she went down by a length and three-quarters to that richly talented rival, there was certainly no disgrace in defeat.

Cap Soleil is the only contestant without a previous run this season, but lack of fitness is rarely an issue with Fergal O’Brien horses first time out.

Runner-up to Laurina in the Grade 2 Mares’ Hurdle at the 2018 Cheltenham Festival, Cap Soleil has only been seen in public twice since.

Paddy Brennan riding Cap Soleil at HaydockCredit: John Grossick

O’Brien said: "She's been off for a while, but I've been absolutely delighted with her this winter. It will be good to get her back on the track.

"She's a very good mare, and will love the ground."

Copper Gone West, who represents Tim Vaughan, and the Nick Littmoden-trained Fleur Irlandaise, winner of a Kempton handicap hurdle at odds of 100-1 in November, complete the five-strong field.

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