Solerina has Champion soft option

Connections of Solerina hinted strongly today that the front-running Irish mare would take her chance in the Smurfit Champion Hurdle if the word “soft” appeared in the going description.

The seven-year-old beat reigning champion Hardy Eustace at Navan yesterday, and also numbers Harchibald, Accordion Etoile and Brave Inca among her victims this season.

But cut in the ground is essential to her chances, especially in the blue riband, and Michael Bowe, son and assistant to his father James, told At The Races: “If the word soft is mentioned in the going it is obviosly in our favour.

“It’s still a long way away and nobody can predict the forecast from now until March. But if the word soft is mentioned in it we’d be anxious to let her take her chance.

“We’ll have to keep our fingers crossed that she can hold her form until then.”

Solerina’s best trip is arguably two and a half miles and Bowe admitted she will face a stern examination of her credentials for the big prize in the coming months.

“Those successes have been over two and a half and it’s not the same, although in my belief she is equally as good over two,” he said.

“From now on things are going to get more difficult for her because the Bewleys Hurdle at Leopardstown (December 29) is over two and so is the AIG.

“Leopardstown is also a drier track and the drainage is quite good – plus I have had her peaking since October and it’s just harder to keep them on the boil for that length of time.

“But having said that she is out in the field bucking and kicking and she’s better this season than she has ever been.

“It wouldn’t surprise me if the placings were reversed (when she clashes with Hardy Eustace in the Bewleys) but if she’s in good form and she’s giving me all the right signs, I see no reason to keep her at home.”

Solerina is a best-priced 16-1 for the Champion Hurdle.