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Unbeaten Honeysuckle on course for seasonal reappearance in Hatton's Grace

Honeysuckle: entered at Fairyhouse on Sunday
Honeysuckle: entered at Fairyhouse on SundayCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Unbeaten superstar Honeysuckle is on course to make her seasonal reappearance after she stood her ground at Tuesday's forfeit stage for Sunday’s Grade 1 Hatton's Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse (2.30).

The eight-year-old, who was last seen storming to Champion Hurdle success at the Punchestown festival, is one of nine to remain in contention for the 2m4f contest.

Leading Willie Mullins’ charge is Champion Stayers Hurdle winner Klassical Dream, while Grade 1 winner Echoes In Rain and Saldier are also entered.

Gordon Elliott’s team consists of Liverpool Hurdle winner Sire Du Berlais, Teahupoo and Commander Of Fleet.

Darver Star stands his ground for Gavin Cromwell and chases a four-timer, while the Jessica Harrington-trained Ashdale Bob completes the field at the forfeit stage.

Three Stripe Life: will look to continue his good run of form
Three Stripe Life: will look to continue his good run of formCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Both Mullins and Elliott runners dominate the entries for the Grade 1 Drinmore Novice Chase (1.55).

Three Stripe Life, who made an explosive start to life over fences at Naas earlier this month, is one of four for Elliott, with Minella Crooner, Mighty Potter and Hollow Games also entered.

Mullins has five on the list, including recent Grade 3 winner El Barra. Adamantly Chosen, Authorized Art, Gaillard Du Mesnil and Shadow Rider are also in contention to run.

The Joseph O'Brien-trained Banbridge is another leading contender for the race, having won a Grade 2 at Cheltenham at the start of the month.

Midnight Run is the other runner from O'Brien's yard, while Delvino, Enniskerry, Impervious, Thedevilscoachman and Visionarian make up the field of 16.

Henry de Bromhead: up and running for the week at Galway after Annie G landed the novice hurdle
Henry De Bromhead: trainer of InthepocketCredit: Edward Whitaker

Meanwhile, the Grade 1 Royal Bond Novice Hurdle (1.25) has attracted 11 runners.

The De Bromhead-trained Inthepocket will put his unbeaten record on the line, while Mullins and Elliott have four and three runners entered respectively.

Grade 2 winner Ashroe Diamond, Champ Kiely, Hercule Du Seuil and Polo Lounge are entered for Mullins and Elliott's team consists of Three Card Brag, Irish Point and Imagine.

The unbeaten Marine Nationale is entered for Barry Connell, while Path D'Oroux and the O'Brien-trained Prairie Dancer complete the line-up.


Hatton's Grace Hurdle (2.30 Sunday, Fairyhouse)

William Hill: 2-7 Honeysuckle, 6-1 Klassical Dream, 14 Darver Star, 16 Ashdale Bob, Echoes In Rain, Teahupoo, Sire Du Berlais, 25 bar.


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Lambourn correspondent

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