3.42 SBK Irish EBF Mares Champion Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m 4f 118yds

Brighterdaysahead: Far and above the class act of this field, especially considering the way in which she won her third Grade 1 at Christmas. Her below-par run in the Cheltenham Champion Hurdle, when she was beaten over 19 lengths at 5/2, does raise concerns, as does her stable’s disappointing run until Teahupoo scored on Thursday.

Gala Marceau: Seems to have regressed since the 2022/2023 season, when she finished second in the Triumph Hurdle, third in today’s Grade 1 four-year-old feature and won a Grade 1 at Auteuil. She was runner-up in this last year, but was beaten seven lengths in a field of five. She may also prefer softer ground.

Jade De Grugy: Led for much of the way at Cheltenham, where she couldn’t measure up to Lossiemouth, but finished best of the rest. That was only her second start of the season and her earlier form against Golden Ace and Spindleberry reads well. Lightly-raced mare could be open to further improvement

July Flower: Difficult to know if todays ground will be an issue, as she disappointed on good-to-soft at Cheltenham, but posted a smart win on good-to-yielding over Christmas. The Grade 1 form in France that saw her sell to Henry De Bromhead for £350,000 came on very soft and heavy ground.

Lot Of Joy: Looked an exciting prospect early in the season, completing back-to-back wins in a listed event here in November. Flat recruit didn’t seem to stay the two-and-a-half-mile trip the next twice in Grade 3s won by Jade De Grugy and July Flower.

Wyenot: British raider drops back from three miles, over which she made all to her first blacktype success in December. This is a considerably tougher assignment, regardless of her preferences regarding trip. Presumably, connections are hoping for Grade 1 blacktype.

Conclusion:

It’s surprising that more than the final six weren’t declared in what looks an appealing opportunity for Grade 1 blacktype. For top honours, it’s difficult to look past Brighterdaysahead despite her Cheltenham anti-climax. Even if she was below her best today, she should easily account for her five rivals. Next best is Jade De Grugy, who is open to further improvement on her eighth career start, while July Flower should shape better than she showed last time.