Camelia De Cotte heads Mullins pair in Grade 3 mares' chase at Fairyhouse

3.10 Fairyhouse
BoyleSports Grand National Festival John & Chich Fowler Memorial EBF Mares Chase (Grade 3) | 5yo+| 2m4f | RTE2/RTV

Willie Mullins holds the aces in this event with Camelia De Cotte, a five-time winner over fences from seven attempts, and Pravalaguna representing Ireland’s champion trainer in a race he won with Vroum Vroum Mag four years ago.

All of Camelia De Cotte’s chase wins have come in mares’ races and Paul Townend’s mount met with defeat when taking on the boys on her most recent start when beaten 11 lengths by Kaiser Black at Naas last month.

Ruby Walsh rides Pravalaguna, who was a wide-margin winner at Limerick and Naas before being well beaten in the JLT Novices’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.

Speaking on Monday, Mullins said: "Camelia De Cotte has had a very good season. She's in good form and will like the trip and the ground. Pravalaguna is also in good order, but would probably prefer easier underfoot conditions."

Pravalaguna and Paul Townend lead from flag fall when winning the Listed Opera Hat ChaseCredit: Patrick McCann

Slowmotion has plenty of experience and won this race two years ago before finishing third in the Galway Plate. Her trainer Joseph O'Brien said: "She's in good form and reverts to fences after a couple of decent runs over hurdles.

"We're hoping for a good run and it would be great if she could pick up some more black type."

Off the track since scoring by eight lengths on her chasing debut at Kilbeggan in July, Barra is one of two runners for Gordon Elliott, who is also represented by dual chase winner Synopsis.

Elliott said: "Barra is in good enough form but has been off for a long time and will come on for the run. She'll be campaigned over the summer.

"Synopsis wouldn't be without a chance if she's on one of her going days, but she isn't the most consistent and it's hard to know what to expect from her. The ground will be fine for both of them."

Completing the line-up is the Michael Bowe-trained Jaime Sommers whose only win in 11 attempts over fences was achieved at Tipperary in July.

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