Magical Zoe has a few pounds to find with Anna Bunina in the mares’ hurdle at Gowran this afternoon but may be better suited by the ground in the listed contest.
The Henry de Bromhead-trained filly was among the best novice mares last season and ran a cracker when second to You Wear It Well at Cheltenham in March.
That came after a Grade Three success at Down Royal the previous November and she showed plenty of class during her last campaign.
She wasn’t quite at her best when fifth in the Grade One at Fairyhouse in April and her form would suggest she’s better when a bit fresh.
Her ability to get through testing ground, having won on soft, could be the difference this afternoon after the recent rain.
She has to give 3lb to Anna Bunina here, who is rated 6lb superior, so would appear to be a tough enough task on paper.
There could be improvement to come from the five-year-old this season though and she gets the vote.
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Anna Bunina has been a terrific servant for her connections with the highlight coming when winning the Scottish Champion Hurdle in April 2022.
She was also Grade One-placed this year at Punchestown, when chasing home Echoes In Rain, but disappointed when last seen at Killarney in May. She probably needed a break at that stage to be fair.
Testing ground would be a worry for her as all her wins over timber have come on decent enough going.
In the other listed contest on the card, the Mucklemeg Mares’ Bumper, Willie Mullins would appear to have a very strong hand.
Aurora Vega is obviously going to be popular as the daughter of superstar mare Quevega bids to make it three in-a-row.
This is a much stiffer test for her now, after easy wins at Sligo and Killarney, but Patrick Mullins chooses her over two other runners from the yard and that is a big vote of confidence.
Stablemate Abi’s Champ was impressive in two starts earlier in the summer and could be the big danger.
It could be another profitable day for Mullins with Born In Purple another obvious contender in the opening maiden hurdle.
The Born To Sea filly ran well on her Irish debut when losing out by half-a-length to Rockview Consort.
She was collared late on then after running freely and with the experience under her belt she is entitled to improve a bit.
SELECTIONS
2.05 Born In Purple (Hypotenus)
2.40 Littlefoot (Wisteria Bloom)
3.15 We'llgowats (Mullins Cross)
3.50 Magical Zoe (Nap) (Anna Bunina)
4.25 Lucky Zebo (Sir Bob)
5.00 Happy Dreams (Como Park)
5.35 Aurora Vega (Dbl) (Abi's Champ)
