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Since the Mares' Novices' Hurdle was created back in 2016, Willie Mullins has won the race five times, but those five times came in the first five renewals of the race, so maybe the times are changing for this set race.
Cheltenham 4:50 – Brighterdaysahead 6/4 (2pt)
A horse I've been sweet on for this race since she has been running in bumpers is Brighterdaysahead. I really do think this horse is a machine and a wonder mare for the future. The way she came into the racing scene in her bumper debut was very impressive, she has done little wrong since moving over to hurdles, winning 3/3 and her latest win in a Listed race whilst carrying a penalty was flawless. This is her toughest assignment to date, but I think she will handle it very well. She is short in the market, but I think it's obvious why she is there. Her pedigree suggests she was always going to be a very good horse. She is a half-sister to the late Mighty Potter, French Dynamite, Indiana Jones and Caldwell Potter, all of those have recorded RPRs in the 150s and this 5yo mare trained by Gordon Elliott is only just getting started.
The British will feel confident with their main hope, Dysart Enos, who was also a high-class bumper runner and is still unbeaten over rules with three wins over hurdles. The level of form isn't close to what some of the Irish horses have achieved but she has plenty of ability and has a lot of speed so this trip will suit her better than most. Her form figures suggest she has a fair bit of improvement to get close to the Irish, but there's room for improvement from her.
Willie Mullins sends just one runner for this, which is strange given he used to win this race all the time, but connections must feel they have a strong hand in this race with Jade De Grugy. It's hard to go against Willie Mullins horses, and this mare is 2/2 over hurdles and she won the Grade 3 last time with ease. She will love the ground, is a very good jumper and she could be anything. I couldn't put anyone off from backing her for this, especially with how many races Willie is winning.
