THIS JADE IS NOT GREEN..
Mullins’ proven winner is expected to deliver victory
JADE de Grugy will be expected to deliver another SBK Solerina Mares Novice Hurdle for Willie Mullins in Fairyhouse.
The champion trainer has won this Grade 3 eight times and runs four in today’s renewal.
Brian Hayes takes the plum ride on Jade de Grugy, who created such a big impression when slamming Butcher Hollow by 15 lengths on her Irish debut at Leopardstown over Christmas.
Paul Townend, on duty in Cheltenham today, wasn’t afraid to utilise Jade de Grugy’s stamina last month, making the running. Despite being pressed by the runner-up all the way, the Doctor Dino mare forged clear in the straight for an impressive victory.
Highly-regarded, Jade de Grugy, winner of her only bumper in France before arriving in Closutton, must now step up in grade.
But she looks like a mare with huge potential and is expected to deliver in the famous colours of Kenny Alexander, already successful in this race on the mighty Honeysuckle, Minella Melody and Allegorie De Vassy.
Winning pointer Look To The West, winner of a Navan maiden hurdle on her rules debut and representing the Thyesteswinning combination of Henry de Bromhead and Rachael Blackmore (inset), might prove the biggest threat to the main Mullins contender.
But the other trio of Closutton hopefuls also deserve consideration – Limerick maiden winner Judicieuse Allen, plus A Penny A Hundred and Pink In The Park, who both chased home Jetara last time.
Top-weight Baldur’s Gate, stepping back up in trip, looks very much the one to beat in the Early Bird For Easter Festival @Fairyhouse Handicap Chase.
Trained by Denis
O’shea, the nineyear-old opened his account, off 98, at Punchestown in mid-november, relishing every yard of the three miles and a furlong.
Back in trip he had to settle for third spot behind subsequent scorer Bushman’s Pass in Limerick over Christmas, off an 8lb higher mark and, last time, failed by a half-length to R’evelyn Pleasure in Cork (two and a half miles).
Blackmore’s mount looks an out-and-out stayer. So this step-up to three and a quarter miles should suit him well.
He gets the vote to register his second success, at the probable expense of Josh d’id.
The market should give an indicator to expectations ahead of the bumper, in which Gordon Elliott relies on Borris House point winner Machismo, in the Gigginstown colours. But I’ll side with the Mullins runner Argento Boy, a half-brother to four winners, including Briar Hill and the mount of Jody Townend – Patrick rides Ashroe Diamond in a Grade 2 mares event over in Doncaster.