Mullins and Skelton lock horns again, but who will come out on top? Analysis and quotes for the Listed mares' novice hurdle

The layers expect Willie Mullins to get the better of this battle, as his Sainte Tartare is forecast to go off favourite while Dan Skelton's hurdles debutant Settle Down Jill is one of the outsiders.

Sainte Tartare was off the mark on her third attempt over hurdles, winning by a wide margin on heavy ground at Limerick in January. She has never raced on good ground and missed her intended debut last August because of it, but is a half-sister to four winners, three of whom handled it fine.

Settle Down Jill has a big task first time over hurdles, but is not without interest. Fourth to subsequent Aintree mares' bumper winner Seo Linn in a Listed bumper here in November, she disappointed on slower ground in January, but was back on song on a decent surface at Warwick last time, shooting clear early in the straight only to be passed by a 20-1 shot close home.

That 20-1 shot went on to finish second in the Grade 2 Aintree bumper a couple of weeks ago, so Settle Down Jill clearly has some talent.

There's further Irish interest with Colin Bowe sending his first runner to Britain since he had a bumper second at Ayr in 2021. The Great Nudie is a two-time winner this season, but was said to have appreciated the heavy ground on both occasions.

The Noel Williams-trained Metkayina ran well above her mark when a 50-1 fifth in the mares' novice hurdle at the festival and now comes here as joint top-rated on official figures. 

She was three places and the best part of eight lengths ahead of Paul Nicholls' Jubilee Alpha, although the latter travelled well but was seemingly outpaced when they went for home. 

The way Nicholls talked about her following her previous Windsor win from Bluey (also in here) suggests he'd expect her to be a good deal better than her current rating of 127, and while she will need to be under a penalty, this half-sister to a 2m6f winner certainly shapes as if the longer trip will help.
Analysis by Paul Kealy

What they say

Paul Nicholls, trainer of Jubilee Alpha
She didn't run her race at Cheltenham and I'm not sure why. I'd think that two and a half miles would suit better. We're giving weight away in a competitive race, but hopefully she should run well.

Jubilee Alpha: Paul Nicholls thinks the step up in trip will helpCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Emma Lavelle, trainer of Bluey
She scoped with mucus after her run at Cheltenham, but she'd been progressive up until then and seems in good form now. She's scoped well going into this and I'd say she looks even better now. The step up to two and a half miles should suit well and I'm hoping she can run well.

Noel Williams, trainer of Metkayina
It was a career best in the Mares' Novice Hurdle, and the handicapper certainly thought so. It shows she acts round Cheltenham and this should be a nice race. The trip should be fine, she likes to be held up and stays on so she should get it. The only concern I have is the ground – if it was too quick then we wouldn't risk her on it. We'll make a decision after we see what happens on Wednesday.

Lucy Wadham, trainer of Miss Cynthia
She's in good form but this looks a competitive race. She's had a nice prep for it and it's a nice opportunity to try and get a bit more black type.
Reporting by James Stevens

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