What do we all think of Eileendover?
She made a big splash on debut. Her first three bumpers were eye-catchingly impressive, not least beating Grangee by 8 lengths. She then slightly disappointed in fourth in the Aintree Mares Bumper, when losing her race because she was far too fresh.
Connections thought her exceptional, and that a flat campaign would take her to the top, and after it hasn't worked out the way they thought it would, presumably we'll see her over hurdles this season, with the possibility of a Mares Novice Hurdle target at the Festival.
I think I'm right in saying that her RPR of 125 was the highest for any Mare last season, which is ahead of Elle Est Belle and Grangee, so he has the right basic credentials.
On the face of it her ability would make her of real interest for March where she is 16/1 for the Mares Novice Hurdle. The trouble is I just can't quite warm to her. It's nothing specific either. She clearly has lots of ability, and should be in the mix with the best of the novice mares next season. Yes, perhaps there's a suspicion that she may want a flat track, and she isn't with a fashinable trainer, but neither of those things would normally put me off. She hasn't had the chance to prove herself at a stiffer course yet, and I don't mind Pam Sly as a trainer. She very capable of readying a good one.
I think perhaps I just need to hear the case 'for' from someone who thinks she's interesting for next season. She probably should be in my Mares Novice Hurdle book for Cheltenham, but I want cashout and 365 are four points shorter at 12/1 which is just too short. Therefore I need pursuading that I should take 16/1 from PP or Sportsbook. In fact she'll be 18/1 with a boost with Sportsbook. 18/1 at 50% better than 365 would perhaps be worth the risk if someone can make a coherant case for her, and get me past the mental block I seem to have with her?
