A Laur of talent in Mares bid

LAURINA looks today’s short-priced banker, in the Grade 2 Trull House Stud Mares Novice Hurdle, on a day when stablemate Un De Sceaux must be fancied to repeat last year’s win in the Ryanair Chase.

Willie Mullins, enjoying another great week in Cheltenham, has won both renewals of the meeting’s newest race. And French import Laurina has looked special in her two starts for the Closutton team.

She toyed with modest opposition when cruising to victory on her Irish debut at Tramore in mid-december.

And the daughter of Spanish Moon produced a similarly authoritative display in the Solerina Mares Novice Hurdle, slamming Alletrix by 11 lengths, with one of today’s rivals Dawn Shadow third.

Maria’s Benefit and Cap Soleil are arguably best of the English contenders while we should all keep an eye on Laurina’s stable-companion Salsaretta, making her debut for the yard, but the subject of favourable reports over recent months.

Un De Sceaux, deserving favourite for the Ryanair, beat Sub Lieutenant here last year before failing to cope with Fox Norton at Punchestown.

And he’s unbeaten in two starts this season, slamming Top Gamble in the Hilly Way in Cork back in December and, last time, outpointing Speredek to win a second Clarence House at Ascot.

Testing conditions will not hinder Un De Sceaux and he gets the nod over veteran Cue Card, back to winning form last time and running at his seventh Festival.

Invitation Only has obvious prospects for Mullins in the opening JLT, coming into the race on the back of a close third to Monalee in the Flogas at Leopardstown.

But I suggest an each-way investment in Gordon Elliot’s mare Shattered Love, a Grade 1 winner at Leopardstown.

NAP HAND Laurina could be another Mullins winner