APPLE ..COR!

APPLE’S JADE is better than ever and shouldn’t be opposed to repeat her 2017 success.

After a pipe-cleaner at Navan in November, Gordon Elliott’s mare proved too strong for the ill-fated Nichols Canyon, who landed the Stayers’ Hurdle at last year’s Festival, in the Grade 1 Hatton’s Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse in December.

She again beat male opposition in the top-level Christmas hurdle at Leopardstown 25 days later, proving too strong for Supasundae, who landed the Irish Champion Hurdle on his next attempt.

Jack Kennedy’s mount has most to fear from Ben Pauling’s likeable La Bague Au Roi, with the Willie Mullins-trained Benie Des Dieux fancied to claim the bronze medal.