ALL eyes will be on Apple’s Shakira at Cheltenham today as the full-sister to Apple’s Jade defends her unbeaten record in the JCB Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle.

The Nicky Henderson-trained filly made an instant impact on her first start since leaving Emmanuel Clayeux’s stable in France when bolting up by 17 lengths from the smart Gumball on this course last month.

That performance shot her to the head of the Triumph betting at the Festival in March and the next step is this four-runner heat, won 12 months ago by Defi Du Seuil, who went on to glory in the juvenile championship in March while Apple’s Jade was second in 2015.

Henderson said: “She is in good form and was very impressive the first day.

“I’d like to think she has possibly come on for that. I was surprised how good she was first time as I didn’t know how fit she would be.”

Apple’s Shakira is owned by J.P. McManus, whose racing manager Frank Berry said: “It wasn’t a surprise she won first time as Nicky was very happy with her going there.

“We were hoping she’d put up a nice show and she did –she was impressive on the day. At this stage we don’t know what that form is worth, but she looked good. I suppose now she has a bit to live up to, but all you can hope is that she performs to her best and see how we go from there.”