TRIUMPH HURDLE

1.30: GRADE ONE — 2 MILES 1 FURLONG

CHELTENHAM patrons were treated to wonderful performances from two superb mares yesterday courtesy of wins for Shattered Love and Laurina and there is the prospect of further female talent on show in the opener.

Both APPLE’S SHAKIRA and Stormy Ireland have impressed this winter and preference is marginal for the former given she has loads of course experience.

Nicky Henderson’s French recruit has only beaten a sum total of 13 rivals in three Prestbury Park victories this season, but she has learned on the job and her last win, at the expense of Look My Way, will have taught her plenty as she needed to be shaken up to score.

She is not the bet of the season at the morning prices, but her recent homework is said to be good and frontrunners Sussex Ranger and Stormy Ireland should ensure she has a good pace.

The latter was impressive on her debut at Fairyhouse, winning by a huge margin after galloping her rivals into submission. She could prove the best of the runners from across the Irish Sea.