NATIONAL HUNT MARES’ HURDLE

EPATANTE has been a little fresh for her own good in two UK starts since joining Nicky Henderson from France, but she is extremely talented mare and connections reach for the hood in order to encourage her to settle a little better. She has sauntered through both starts for her new handler this winter and could be a tough horse to get off the bridle if her rider can encourage her to drop her head and concentrate. Posh Trish looks the chief rival to trouble the selection as she possesses tenacity and resilience in equal measure and, like so many of her fellow Ditcheat inmates, has become a professional winner.