Bello Conti stands out on form

The absence of Annie Power from this afternoon’s Betdaq Punchestown Champion Hurdle leaves the way open for stable companion Vroum Vroum Mag to showcase her ability back over the minimum trip.

The mare is unbeaten in nine runs since joining the Willie Mullins team, and made light of her task in beating her rivals in the mares’ hurdle at Cheltenham.

In theory this is a big step up in class, but there are doubts about her rivals, and has the profile of an improving sort who could go very close to the top in this sphere.