LAURINA TO SHINE IN SOLER
Mullins’ mare to eclipse rivals
LIGHTLY-RACED Laurina is strongly fancied in the Solerina Mares Novice Hurdle, an intriguing Grade 3 feature of today’s Fairyhouse card.
The Willie Mullinstrained five-year-old looked a very smart prospect when bolting-up in an admittedly weak mares maiden in Tramore on her Irish debut and might be capable of taking this stepup in class in her stride.
A faller and runner-up in her only starts in her native France, Laurina was confidently handled by Paul Townend in Tramore last month, cruised into the lead before the second last flight and readily drew clear to score, hard held, by 15 lengths.
That bare form is modest enough. But the manner of Laurina’s win suggested there should be plenty more to come.
And she’s expected to confirm that impression in today’s competitive field, which will include two stable-companions, TRUE SELF, a beaten odds-on favourite on her second hurdle start in Thurles last time, and AINSI VA LA VIE.
The two penalised contenders John Kiely’s JUST JANICE, conqueror of Creation and Lesley Dawn in a Grade 3 at Down Royal in early November, and dual hurdle-winner DAWN SHADOW, held by shock winner Killahara Castle and True Self on Thurles form and third behind Let’s Dance at Leopardstown last time.
But the biggest threat to Laurina might prove to be CRACKERDANCER, winner of three bumpers, including a listed event in Navan, and a convincing winner on her hurdling debut at Limerick over Christmas.
But, in a fascinating contest, and in the belief she could be a bit special, Laurina gets the vote.
Mullins and Townend might also strike with KEMBOY in the opening begnners chase.
Successful on his Irish debut in a Limerick maiden hurdle, this fellow acquitted himself well as a novice hurdler last season, finishing second to Let’s Dance at Leopardstown and fifth behind Willoughby Court in the Neptune at Cheltenham.
He made a very satisfactory start over fences when outpointed by the classy Sutton Place at Fairyhouse last month and, with that experience under his belt, sets a decent standard against stable-companions C’EST JERSEY and CAP D’AUBOIS and Gordon Elliott’s BALLELA BOY, pipped by Close Shave at this venue recently.
Another attractive bet is POORMANS HILL, back over hurdles, in the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle.
Successful over the smaller obstacles, off a mark of 87 at Downpatrick in October, this fellow has also won three handicap chases since joining Elliott.
And he performed with credit when fourth to stable-companion Mala Beach in the Troytown at Navan and when fifth to Presenting Percy in the Porterstown at Fairyhouse.
Officially rated 22lb lower over hurdles, Chris Meehan’s mount has obvious claims.