Voler to revelin testing conditions
The handicapper has both mares on a mark of 158, so should they dead-heat then there will be no guessing as to who the happiest man on track will be.
Opposing Quevega is almost unthinkable, so good has she been for many seasons. She is admirably consistent and talented and again showed her well-being when landing the Mares’ Hurdle at Cheltenham with the minimum of fuss, for a fourth time.
But Voler La Vedette has been a revelation this season, has dispelled any worries regarding her ability to stay three miles and will revel in the testing conditions.
She could have taken the easier option at Cheltenham, the Mares’ Hurdle, but instead Colm Murphy pitched her in at the deep end against Big Buck’s.
Voler La Vedette proceeded to produce the performance of her life, finishing a length and three parts second, after momentarily threatening to actually beat Big Buck’s coming away from the final flight.
That is the best piece of form either mare has to their credit and, hopefully, the selection will strip in exactly the same mood as at Cheltenham.
First Lieutenant, despite reservations that two miles is on the short side, even on heavy ground, gets the vote in the other Grade 1 on the programme, the Ryanair Novice Chase.
He arrives now on the back of finishing second behind Bobs Worth in the three miles plus RSA Chase at Cheltenham.
Philip Hobbs’ Menorah surely has more speed than First Lieutenant, but his jumping is a major concern.
It was quite good when he won impressively at Aintree last time, but you always worry they will revert to type and the fact he has jumped away to his left in the past is a further worry.
Tofino Bay, who chased home Jonjo O’Neill’s Get Me Out Of Here at Fairyhouse, could be the answer to the Stephen’s Green Hibernian Club Hurdle.
