Solerina looks best equipped for likely mudbath
Of course two miles is in the short side for the gallant mare and the fact the race will be run on the inside track is another minus.
But the ground is going to be extremely testing and Solerina will gallop through it with real aplomb, which is a big bonus.
At Tipperary in October, on her seasonal debut, the seven-year-old showed she is well capable of scoring over the minimum trip, when conditions are in her favour.
She made every yard of the running to slam the ultra-smart Accordion Etoile by four lengths with Harchibald - too much shouldn’t be read into that - a further 25 lengths away in third.
The selection warmed up for this test with another game front-running performance to beat Hardy Eustace by two and a half lengths over two and a half miles at Navan.
Hardy Eustace, the champion hurdler, is clearly a huge danger. That Navan effort was his first of the campaign and he is entitled to come on a bundle.
He handles this ground reasonably well, but it should be remembered that the two best displays of his career - at Cheltenham and then at Punchestown - came when it was much livelier.
Brave Inca proved no match for Solerina in the Hatton’s Grace at Fairyhouse, but is a horse who is likely to progress as the season evolves.
His jumping left a bit to be desired last time, however, and a repeat of that will be a major concern.
Macs Joy, disappointing when only third to Harchibald and Back In Front at Punchestown, is better than that and could outspeed this field in the closing stages.
But Solerina is certain to power ahead from the start and is the one they all have to beat.
Ted Walsh’s Southern Vic is nap material in the Mongey Communications’ Maiden Hurdle.
The former pointer ran a solid race at Gowran Park, beaten a length by Guantama Bay. That was over three miles and he should get every yard of today’s two and a half.
