2014 David Nicholson Mares Hurdle

[mayo]

Lydia thinking outside the box.

Does the combination of an underwhelming Cleeve and Annie Power's stablemate, Hurricane Fly, winning at Leopardstown on Sunday make it more likely she'll run in the World than the Champion Hurdle? Possibly.

A half-brother showed his best form at 2m5f and you can argue that her sire offers superior staying genes. Yet she was typically buzzy prior to winning at Doncaster on Saturday and that's far from ideal for a stayer.

Given this, a fourth imponderable has crossed my mind. Specifically, that Mullins keeps Annie Power away from The Fly and at a more suitable trip by contesting the OLBG David Nicholson Mares Hurdle and runs Quevega, who's proven over three miles, in the World Hurdle.

The lure of an unprecedented sixth straight Cheltenham Festival victory for Quevega in the undoubtedly easier mares' race might be too tempting, but Mullins has cards to shuffle. Is Ruby Walsh's availability a factor? He appears on Racing UK's Half-Term Report this Tuesday, so I'll ask him.

I think this would put each horse in the race they have best chance of both winning. Quevega is getting older and might actually need a bit further now ? Might be a total mug thing to do but have backed the double.

 

[Old Vic]

Boston Bob running badly also might come into it but have Annie running in the Champion Hurdle now. That is the race they stayed hurdling to win. Also suspect Ricci is the type who would rather try and win big than accept a lesser reward. Pure speculation on my part though.