Mae’s Choice all set to shine in Grabel Mares Hurdle at Punchestown
This season’s stats are quite enough to suggest that Mae’s Choice will not face any difficulty in putting up a winning show in the Grade 3, Grabel Mares Hurdle, to be hosted by Punchestown in Ireland on Thursday, October 18, 2012.
If someone has any concern over the chances of Mae’s Choice, he just needs to look at her fresh efforts. The 6-year-old has been doing goods since the outset of her career. So far in the ongoing year, the skilful mare has grabbed a couple of victories.
On her only start at the graded level in April, the Gordon Elliott-trained did an excellent job. She came to Punchestown with no idea about the conditions, as it was her very first appearance here. Yet, she showed no rustiness.
A lazy start did not shake her determination, as she made smooth progress thereafter. By virtue of a wonderful effort in the middle stages, the 33-1 chance went third just before the final furlong. In the hands of P. Carberry, she stayed on well to lead
near the wire.
A strong finish helped the mare trounce Willie Mullins’ 7-1 chance, Gorgeous Sixty, by three quarters of a length. Owned by Miceal Martin Sammon & Miss Seana Sammon, the daughter of Presenting knows this track better than anyone in the race.
The ability to do well in testing conditions makes her the most appealing candidate in Thursday’s 2m2f meeting. The plan is to kick off the proceedings at 13:45 GMT. Every contestant is going to give his best shot to claim the winning prize worth €17,875.
Burn And Turn is also a powerful contender. After a couple of unlucky defeats, the 6-year-old finally unchained the shackles, and recorded a comprehensive 6-length win at Gowran Park earlier his month.
Tarla also showed a lot of progress early in the season, securing a couple of consecutive victories. Is Herself About also has the ability to spring up a surprise.
There are certainly a few very dangerous runners in the line-up, but Mae’s Choice should be preferred because of her fresh strike at the graded level. A few others are likely to feel the pressure at this level. Good luck to all.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are the writer's own and do not reflect Bettor.com’s editorial policy.
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