Is Apple's Jade ripe for historic fourth victory in Hatton's Grace Hurdle?

2.40 Fairyhouse
Baroneracing.com Hatton's Grace Hurdle (Grade 1) | 4yo+| 2m | RTE2, RTV

Apple's Jade will make history if she can win this race for the fourth consecutive year.

Gordon Elliott's mare is level with Limestone Lad and Solerina as a triple winners of the Hatton's Grace, but has been beaten in her last four outings and needs to return to the form of last year's victory in this race, when she trounced her rivals by 20 lengths.

The Gigginstown House-owned seven-year-old, attempting to end a four-race losing run, will renew rivalry with Bacardys, who beat her by nine-and-a-half lengths in the Lismullen Hurdle at Navan last month.

Elliott said: "She was very disappointing at Navan but I'm not ruling her out completely. We think she's coming back to herself, but we'll have to see whether she's quite there yet."

Honeysuckle faces sternest test yet

The Henry de Bromhead-trained mare Honeysuckle is unbeaten in five starts and four of those victories have been at Fairyhouse, three of which have been achieved over today's trip.

Her most recent victory came last month when she took on the males for the first time and won by 11 lengths under Rachael Blackmore, who has ridden her to all her wins.

Honeysuckle: has already won at Fairyhouse four timesCredit: Patrick McCann

This will be the five-year-old's biggest test to date and speaking on Saturday De Bromhead, said: "Honeysuckle is very well. We're very happy with her and she has shown she likes Fairyhouse.

"We're going to learn more about her tomorrow as she's going into the big league for the first time."

Penhill returns from long absence to lead Mullins' trio

Penhill, winner of the Stayers' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in 2018, is back in action after a 584-day absence.

He is one of three for Willie Mullins after Benie Des Dieux was ruled out of the race due to a pulled muscle.

The trainer said about Penhill: "His training has gone well and we're starting him off earlier this season. However, the trip might be a bit short for him. He's shown his best form over three miles."

Mullins, who has sent out three winners of the event, including Hurricane Fly and Arctic Fire in 2015, fields Bacardys, winner of the Lismullen Hurdle at Navan last month, and veteran of the party Killultagh Vic.

Bacardys: beats Apple's Jade easily last time outCredit: Caroline Norris (racingpost.com/photos)

He said: "Paul [Townend] was impressed with Bacardys at Navan and has picked him. He came out of the race well and this looked a logical target. But it's going to be tough for the geldings in the race having to concede 7lb to two very good mares in Apple's Jade and Honeysuckle.

"It's almost two years since Killultagh Vic last won a race and his best days are behind him, but if he can run and jump well we'll look for easier races for him later on."

Davids Charm faces stern challenge

The versatile Davids Charm, a five-time hurdles winner, has won twice this season under today's rider Phillip Enright.

The eight-year-old finished fifth in the Irish Cesarewitch on his most recent start in October and his trainer John Joe Walsh said: "He's in good form and the trip shouldn't be a problem, but it's going to be tough conceding 7lb to the two mares."

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