3.20 Timeless Sash Windows Irish Champion Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m

Anzadam: Cobden an interesting booking for lightly-raced six-year-old, who won both starts in Grade 3s last season. Runner-up in an eventful Fighting Fifth on return, he was far too keen when finishing fourth to three of today’s rivals last time out. Would have preferred a stronger pace.

Casheldale Lad: Progressive flat recruit produced a career-best effort against Lossiemouth and Brighterdaysahead at Christmas but is unlikely to repeat that effort on this ground.

El Fabiolo: Multiple Grade 1 winner made a successful return to hurdling on New Year’s Eve, drawing clear of a subsequent Grade 3 winner and top chaser Spillane’s Tower. Seems to have retained his class over hurdles and should handle this ground.

Poniros: Made an incredible start over hurdles to win the Triumph Hurdle, before being overturned at Punchestown. He clearly runs well fresh, but this is a big ask for a five-year-old on return.

Brighterdaysahead: Memorable winner at the 2024 Christmas Festival, but lost her way the remainder of last season. Showed plenty of her old spark on return when a length behind Lossiemouth last month and could reverse the form with the run under her belt.

Lossiemouth: Two from two in Grade 1s this season, with Brighterdaysahead close behind last time, and now has less of a fitness edge over that rival.

Conclusion

A thrilling clash of the star mares as Lossiemouth and Brighterdaysahead renew their rivalry a month after a closely-fought contest at the Christmas Festival. Gordon Elliott’s mare should improve enough from her first run of the season to turn the tables on Mullins’ grey, with Anzadam and El Fabiolo likely to be closest behind them at the finish on this ground.