RACING boff Gaurav Chaddah (@Gchaddahjourno) shares his thoughts on the Mares Novices' Hurdle, the penultimate race on Day 3.
Mares Novices' Hurdle | Thursday 14th March 2019, 16:50 | Racing UK
This was won by Laurina last year, who was a short-priced favourite and obliged with an emphatic victory for trainer Willie Mullins who has won all three renewals of this race and saddles seven here, the pick of which look to be My Sister Sarah (14/1 888) who looks progressive enough but is an unknown quantity on soft ground.
Sancta Simona (25/1 Ladbrokes) was second last time in a Grade 1 for Willie Mullins and won well at Gowran and Down Royal before that but jockey bookings would suggest she is the stable second string whilst Queenofhearts (16/1 Bet365) and Sinoria (8/1 Ladbrokes) are both listed winners and should run rather well.
I do have a feeling however the two at the top of the market may just be a little better than the rest here. Posh Trish (6/1 Coral) has a penalty to carry but is still weighted well enough, having beat Lust for Glory (25/1 Ladbrokes) at Newbury and was a good winner of a listed race at Newbury last time.
But the favourites have won all three renewals of this race and the vibes regarding Nicky Henderson’s Epatane (17/8 Unibet) are rather strong and has won both of her races since arriving in the UK easily. The form of them is working out and I think she may be a lot better than some of these and could take the beating.
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Mares Novices’ Hurdle – Epatane to win (17/8 Unibet)
