Which trainer thinks his mare will 'run a very big race' in Grade 2?

2.45 Newbury
British EBF BetVictor "NH" Novices' Mares' Hurdle (Limited Handicap) (Grade 2) | 2m4½f | 4yo+ | ITV/RTV

On paper this mares’ novice hurdle is one of the weakest Grade 2 races in the programme but its recent roll of honour cannot be crabbed.

Victories from Annie Mc, Roksana and Snow Leopardess since 2017 demonstrate the requirement for punters to keep their eyes peeled for future stars.

Favourite Speech Bubble and Nina The Terrier are the only ones to have hinted at Graded form so far. Nine lengths separated the pair when they finished second and third behind Cheltenham mares’ novice hurdle heroine Love Envoi at Sandown recently, but Nina The Terrier ran better than the margin of defeat suggested.

She looked the biggest danger to Love Envoi approaching the second-last but bottomed out on the heavy ground. Factoring in the able Bryan Carver’s 3lb claim, Nina The Terrier renews rivalry with Speech Bubble on 7lb better terms. There is rain forecast and providing conditions avoid getting testing, she is a big each-way player.

This is a handicap, though, and class will not necessarily come to the fore. Six of the last nine winners have carried 11st or less and Corey’s Courage, off 10st 11lb, must have a major shout.

The Olly Murphy-trained mare is unbeaten in four starts under rules (one bumper and three hurdles) and seems to have won those races with plenty left under the bonnet. Corey’s Courage has been brought along steadily and was particularly impressive last time under a double penalty.

This 2m4½f trip will undoubtedly improve Holly Hartingo, who is also worth considering at a price. She looked all stamina when winning her two novice hurdles but surrendered her unbeaten record when looking one-paced next time over 2m.

She missed an engagement in a 3m Listed race in March and although that may prove her optimum trip, she may never find a better opportunity of capturing a Grade 2.
Race analysis by Robbie Wilders

Speech Bubble more than a talking horse

Most punters will expect Speech Bubble to do the talking, despite carrying top weight, after she chased home subsequent Cheltenham winner Love Envoi at Sandown last time.

Trainer Noel Williams had toyed with the idea of a rematch with the winner in the Grade 2 mares novice hurdle at the festival but was happy to play the long game.

He said: “I would have preferred slightly softer ground for Speech Bubble but as long as it’s safe she’ll take her chance.

"She’s won round there on good to soft, so should be okay and we’ve had this in mind since she was second to Love Envoi at Sandown last time.

"She’s the best horse in the race on ratings but she’s got to give a fair bit of weight away to some progressive types.

"She was beaten by a horse that went on to win at the Cheltenham Festival last time, so her form is rock solid and I think she’ll run a very big race.”

What they say

Alan King, trainer of Nina The Terrier and Moonamacaroona
Nina The Terrier seems to have come out of Cheltenham in very good form. She found the ground totally against her in the mares’ novice hurdle there and is much better in the conditions she’s likely to face here, though she’s among the top weights after her three earlier hurdles wins. I’m putting Moonamacaroona’s disappointing effort at Doncaster last time down to the soft ground and I’d expect her to do better on this drier surface.

Alastair Ralph, trainer of Holly Hartingo
She didn’t like the drop back to two miles last time and we expect the trip and galloping nature of the track to suit her better. I couldn’t be happier with her.

Olly Murphy, trainer of Corey’s Courage
Lack of experience for the big-field handicap scenario for the first time is a slight concern, but she’s on a nice mark and continues on an upward curve.

Rose Dobbin, trainer of The Player Queen
We knew she wouldn’t like the ground in the mares' hurdle at Cheltenham but we ran her anyway on the proviso that Craig would look after her. She pulled up two out and was bouncing after the race, so we’re giving this a go. She’s on a fair mark and will like the ground.

Stuart Edmunds, trainer of Marsh Wren
She’ll take her chance only if the ground is good to soft or softer. If she does line up she’s qualified for the race and deserves to take her chance.

Dan Skelton, trainer of Walk In Clover, Runwiththetide and Gentle Connections
All three are progressive mares. If there were any rain it would help Walk In Clover over the other two, but if it was only good ground I might not run her. Both Runwiththetide and Gentle Connections would prefer it quick.

Noel Williams, trainer of Largy G
She finished 15 lengths behind Speech Bubble last time but she’s getting a heap of weight off her this time. She’s probably not good enough to win a race like this, but I expect her to outrun her odds just like last time when she was third at 50-1.
Reporting by David Milnes

Read all of Saturday's previews:

1.15 Ayr: Is it worth taking on the favourite Sebastopol in Listed handicap chase?

1.50 Ayr: His talent is undeniable - but can Dusart strike despite short turnaround?

2.25 Ayr: Expert analysis and key trainer quotes for the Scottish Champion Hurdle at Ayr

3.00 Ayr: 'It's a red-hot race' - novice chasers clash in Grade 2 Future Champions

3.35 Ayr: 'She's in great form' - Christian Williams on his leading Scottish National duo

3.35 Ayr: Runner-by-runner guide: key quotes and star ratings for Scottish Grand National

Is there another Poetic Flare lurking on trials day at Leopardstown?

Racing Post Live is your ultimate racing watchalong every Saturday and during major festivals. Our experts offer uninterrupted tips, analysis and reactions to the ITV action. Subscribe to the Racing Post YouTube channel here and never miss a minute