3.20 Coolmore Kew Gardens Irish EBF Mares Champion Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m 4f
Burning Victory: Fascinating mare who ran just twice last season, winning a Grade 3 at Fairyhouse before then taking advantage of Goshen’s last-flight fall to land the Triumph Hurdle. She hasn’t been seen since though and this is a tough starting point for her year.
Concertista: Quality mare who bolted up in a novice hurdle at Cheltenham last season and carried that form through to this term with smooth wins at Fairyhouse and Leopardstown.
She only lost out in the final few strides of the Mares’ Hurdle at Cheltenham when nailed by Black Tears and compensation awaits.
Global Equity: Has run some really solid races all season, notably when second to Heaven Help Us in a top-notch mares’ handicap hurdle at Leopardstown in February.
She secured a deserved success in a Limerick maiden last time but this is far tougher and others look stronger candidates.
Laurina: Formerly high-class mare who won at Cheltenham and struck at Grade 1 level as a novice hurdler. However, she has lost her way since beating Minella Indo on her chasing debut at Gowran in November 2019 and, following a spell in Britain, she has questions to answer.
Minella Melody: Very smart sort who has run some honourable races behind Concertista this season, chasing her home at both Fairyhouse and Leopardstown.
For the second year in succession she didn’t produce her best at the Cheltenham Festival and a return to domestic competition could show her in a better light.
My Sister Sarah: Smart mare at her best and has plenty of useful form to her name. However, she has come up short behind Concertista on her last two outings and possibly a longer trip would suit her better too.
Politesse: Was beaten just under 3l in a Down Royal Grade 3 won by Skyace in October but she disappointed when sent to Newbury a few weeks later and this looks a stiff assignment on her return from 154 days off.
Skyace: Remarkable sort whose season has been the stuff of fairytales. Has sustained a remarkable level of improvement throughout the last 12 months and this culminated in a Grade 1 success over Gauloise at Fairyhouse last month.
This demands more but she has repeatedly shown how unwise it is to underestimate her chances.
Stormy Ireland: A return to her former trainer saw her bounce right back to form to win a Grade 2 at Fairyhouse last month when she accounted for some useful geldings.
She will be dangerous if allowed to dictate once more and another strong showing looks entirely likely.
The Verdict
This looks an excellent chance for Concertista to make up for her last gasp defeat at Cheltenham. She has looked a standout mare throughout the season and she should be too strong for these rivals. Her stablemates Stormy Ireland and Burning Victory are both respected as is the recent Grade 1 winner Skyace who shouldn’t have any difficulty transitioning from novice company.