Cheltenham ’14 –
OLBG Mares Hurdle
For the past half a decade, race goers have witnessed the formidable
Quevega notch up a sequence of
devastatingly impressive victories in the OLBG Mares Hurdle at the Cheltenham
Festival. Willie Mullins’ string is currently notoriously difficult to place
confidently, but little doubt is behind the fact that the champion mare will
attempt to make it 6 consecutive wins this term. A select field of 9 are
currently engaged.
ANNIE POWER
Willie Mullins (Mrs S Ricci) OR -
6yo ch m Shirocco (GER) (11.7f) – Anno Luce (Old Vic (13.0f))
The supposedly second of Mullins’ string entered is Annie
Power. Arguably anticipation is greatest of all behind this horse at the
moment, and the question is: Which race she will contend? At this stage it
looks unlikely that she’ll oppose stalemate Quevega here. Regardless, were she to take her place all eyes would
be on the unbeaten Shirocco six year
old, youth would be on her side as she is 4 years Quevega’s junior and has not
yet been extended over hurdles. Having beaten Zarkandar comprehensively on two occasions this campaign, form was
franked when he ran a close 2nd behind Melodic Rendezvous at Wincanton. Among those to have been beaten by
Annie Power include top novices The
Tullow Tank, Defy Logic and Don Cossack. It is no doubt she hasn’t
established herself to the extent as Quevega, but here lies a possible opportunity
for her to take another step towards becoming champion race mare.
CAROLE’S SPIRIT
Robert Walford (Mr Paul Murphy) OR -
6yo bay m Hernando (FR) (12.3f) – Carole’s Crusader (Faustus
(USA) (9.3f))
Carole’s Spirit finished 2 lengths behind Highland Retreat when having every chance
last time out at Ascot. Without doubt she has talent but whether it is good
enough to be involved here is questionable. Based on her previous start, where
in my opinion she had the opportunity to win, she would simply not be good
enough. She is a half sister to the very good mare Carole’s Legacy, who ran a mighty race in 2nd to Quevega in the 2010 renewal. As are
many of these though, her consistency earns her credit. She is yet to finish outside
of the first four positions and has put top class mare As I Am in her place to the tune of 2 and a half lengths. The
previous statement is key as Carole’s Spirit is yet to make a real impression
racing against the males, whereas others have that string to add to their bow. In
reality, she is sure to be under minimal consideration here.
COCKNEY SPARROW
John Quinn (Mr Paul Gaffney) OR -
5yo bay m Cockney Rebel (IRE) (9.7f) – Compose (Anabaa (USA)
(8.3f))
John Quinn is no stranger to Festival success when his now
retired, dual purpose inmate Countrywide
Flame claimed the Triumph Hurdle two years ago. Cockney Sparrow is his hope
for this year and although falling last time out, has ran creditably behind
Champion Hurdle bound My Tent Or Yours,
along with dominating her own sex on multiple occasions. With 7 lifetime wins
to boast, she looks a chief threat to Quevega’s
crown. Only 2 lengths behind Annie Power
at Doncaster before she fell, she looked beaten but still would have advertised
her claims in no uncertain fashion. The latter mentioned is likely to be at the
head of the market in whichever race she goes for, which is no mean feat.
Cockney Sparrow is no mug and has rightfully earned her place in the field: she
demands respect.
GLENS MELODY
6yo bay m King’s Theatre (IRE) (11.7f) – Glens Music (IRE)
(Orchestra (10.1f))
Willie Mullins (Ms Fiona McStay) OR –
One of the most intriguing
contenders for me is another hailing from Willie Mullins’ yard - Glens Melody.
I believe she does her best not to reveal her true ability and that if anyone
is to unveil it and deliver her it would be Willie. Another ultra-consistent
performer, she has never been out of the first 3 in her life and has beaten Mischievous Milly twice this season-
there is little evidence to suggest that form will be reversed come Cheltenham.
Generally she jumps and stays and does have an engine, but there may be one or
two in this that could catch her off guard and by looking at her running style,
a battle would not play to her strengths. She has a touch of class about her
and cannot be discarded. Physically she is a big imposing mare and at 6 years
old she probably has more improving to do. A concern would be on her last visit
to the course she finished 29 lengths behind More Of That- this form hasn’t had the chance to be tested of yet,
but I doubt it would be good enough to win here.
HIGHLAND RETREAT
7yo bay m Exit To Nowhere (USA) (10.1f) – St Kilda (Past
Glories)
Harry Fry (Mr Richard Barber) OR –
Highland Retreat is a really likeable mare. Harry Fry has
tasted success since leaving Paul Nicholls and this Exit To Nowhere mare has really enhanced his profile as a trainer. She
has great constitution and a real toughness, unlike a few of these, she’ll be
continuing when they have cried enough and her attitude stands her in good
stead. She showed this to brilliant effect when beating Carole’s Spirit at Ascot last time. She’s never one to be flashy
and perhaps lacks the class of the likes of Quevega and Annie Power but
especially if the ground conditions remain testing, she would have to have a
reasonable chance. Her versatility in terms of conditions is another positive
attribute and she would not be inconvenienced by a change of surface. Again,
she is another that is more likely to fill the place positions rather than
winning. She’s also proven herself in terms of having form against the opposite
sex and could be one that flies under the radar.
L’UNIQUE
5yo bay m Reefscape – Sans Tune (FR) (Green Tune (USA)
(10.5f))
Alan King (Mr Denis J Barry) OR -
One of my Ten To Follow this season was the Alan King
trained L’Unique. After an impressive victory in the 4yo Juvenile Hurdle at
Aintree, beating the likes of Irish
Saint, Flaxen Flare and Rolling Star (whom have since gone on
to much better things) she has failed to fire this season. Whether this has
been due to the ill-health of the horses at Alan King’s yard or something else,
she doesn’t appeal coming into the race. 2 of these, Glens Melody and Cockney
Sparrow, have beaten her this season by combined distances of just under 30
lengths. A return to form could see her in the mix but that is a big risk to be
taking considering her recent efforts. It is also likely that at Aintree the
horses that she beat were feeling the effects and demands of Cheltenham. It’s
difficult to make a case for this French-bred.
MISCHIEVOUS MILLY
6yo bay m Old Vic (13.0f) – Jennifers Diary (IRE) (Supreme
Leader (12.4f))
Oliver Sherwood (A Stewart & A Taylor) OR -
Mischievous Milly is another likeable contender; her form
ties in with Irish hope Glen’s Melody-
with whom she has been bridesmaid to on two occasions. Regardless of her
smaller size, she has heart and a willing ethos, but whether that is good
enough in this company is doubtful. Another concern would be her lack of course
form, having never faced the undulations of Prestbury Park. I don’t believe the
track would necessarily suit but it remains to be seen. It’s likely she’ll find
a good few too good here yet but, should the others misfire, she could have a
chance at the placings.
QUEVEGA
10yo bay m Robin Des Champs (FR) – Vega IV (FR) (Cap Martin
(FR))
Willie Mullins (Hammer & Trowel Syndicate) OR –
Unbeaten in 8 runs and winner of this race a stunning 5
times, Quevega requires little introduction. She’s beaten top quality horses
such as Reve De Sivola, Voler la Vedette and Mourad. As is not unusual, we have not
yet seen her this term but reports from Willie Mullins’ base are positive- he
had a very small setback with her recently but is now very happy with her
progress. He has highlighted no current concerns ahead of her almighty festival
bid. Emphasis is placed on Annie Power
in this case, as she would be Quevega’s main threat. It makes sense for Annie
Power to run elsewhere as this is Quevega’s race and I doubt the trainer would
run all three of his hopes. Should Annie Power be absent from the line up, you
would think this talented individual would have little problem dispatching her
rivals, as she has done on so many occasions prior to this. Now aged 10, her
ability may not be fully intact but we are yet to see. Her lightly raced
profile indicates she will be primed once more for what would be a historic accomplishment.
SIRENE D’AINAY
8yo ch m Dom Alco (FR)
– Evermine (FR) (Perrault (9.0f))
Emmanuel Clayeux (Stephane Milaveau)
Second to Quevega
by 1 ½ lengths in her last Mares Hurdle, Sirene D’Ainay could be one of the
forgotten horses, similarly to last year when she was 2nd at 66-1. Sired
by the prolific Dom Alco, she has
been/is destined to be a high quality mare. She has since run 6 times in her
native France, winning last time out on the 2nd of February. (Her
only other 2 rivals fell). It’s safe to say she has been less impressive in the
build up to Cheltenham this year, as last year she posted 2 wins, again in
small fields. She may well be the one to lead them early on, as this position
is one she adopted when doing so well last year. With arguably a host of more
talented mares to beat this time, I doubt she’ll be able to remain at the head
of affairs throughout and indeed at the top of the hill.
VERDICT
As highlighted in previous comments, this race is surrounded
solely by the participation of Annie Power, which looks unlikely. Sentiment
plays a part in seeing Quevega
record such an amazing feat and she is more than worthy of her position at the
top of the market. However, it is clear to see she won’t have it all her way,
as has been in the past, as an interesting bunch of mares take her on. Should
she run, Glens Melody has the class
to be competitive and could be an underestimated mare coming into this. She
travels with great enthusiasm and could carry herself into an attacking
position. She would need to put her 29 length defeat at the course behind her
though in order to be in with a shout. Cockney
Sparrow possesses a professional angle and her turn of foot could create a
turning point in what is sure to be a good renewal. Having an F beside her name
wouldn’t be encouraging and that obviously wasn’t an ideal prep but she has the
form and ability to right that wrong and bounce back. I’m a huge fan of HIGHLAND RETREAT who will surely
improve again from her last run and be there abouts in any circumstances. At a
bigger price she could be each way value and cannot be totally discarded.
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