Bowe hoping for soft ground at Fairyhouse

Connections of Solerina are hoping for soft ground when the six-year-old mare runs in the Ballymore Properties Hatton’s Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse on Sunday.

Solerina, trained by James Bowe, won seven of her eight starts over hurdles last season before injury ruled her out of the Cheltenham Festival.

“She worked on the Curragh and all being well she’ll run on Sunday. There’s no reason to keep her at home,” said the trainer’s son Michael Bowe yesterday.

He had been delighted with her reappearance when she finished third to Back In Front and Sacundai, beaten one and a half lengths and a length, at Punchestown earlier this month in her first race since February.

“It was a big step to take,” said Bowe. “It was a tough contest for her first run back of the season, but there was nothing I could do about that.

“We wanted to get a run into her earlier in the season but the ground has been exceptionally dry this year.

“It was a tough contest but she came out of the race well and she worked well this morning so hopefully we should get her to Fairyhouse in good order.”

Bowe is not afraid to take on her Punchestown conquerors Back in Front and Sacundai, who were winners at the Cheltenham and Aintree Festivals respectively.

“She’ll improve for the run and I suppose they will as well,” Bowe went on.

“We have the extra half mile and the possibility of softer ground. They are giving rain which would work in my favour but Sacundai handles soft ground quite well also.

“She’s there to take her chance. She’s healthy, she’s in good order and she’ll talk for herself when the day comes.”