Apple's Jade will be a penalty kick in the Mares Hurdle.
Thread closed?
Inevitable chatter about Mullins/Ricci horses to come, and Limini did beat her but what Apple's Jade did in her 5yo season was nothing short of fantastic in hindsight.
Already on Apple's Jade in some multiples but she is the biggest certainty of the week in this race for me.
Apples Jade wins...close the thread :triumphant:
Banker of the meeting for me. No concerns she goes elsewhere imo.
I haven't really seen it mentioned elsewhere but the thing that really impresses me with her is her record last year outside her juvenile season. Year after year we talk how hard it is for horses to step up that following year. Yes it maybe made slightly easier running against Mares where the standard isn't so high but it's still relative and she did win the Hatton's Grace against the boys that season. She won 3 grade 1 races in what is an extremely tough year for 4 year olds and came second in another. 7 grade one wins at the age of 5. Second in 2 more. It's unbelievable and she looks better and better every time she runs. And we know the Spring and better ground will bring improvement.
Completely agree - didn't go into detail in the opening post but that is what seems to be under-played.
I've watched todays race back and she clearly stays 3m well, as she made caught, passed and was pulling away from Supasundae at the line.
That said, a 1/2L beating to Supasundae over 3m doesn't put her HEAD AND SHOULDERS above the boys in that division, and I cashed out my 2 pts on Apple's Shakira for the Stayers earlier on today....
Elliott after the race said - "She'll be against the girls next time in Cheltenham, the mares' race is the plan. She's just five years old and has now won seven Grade Ones."
He has already said after her win last time the mares is 100% the plan and I just can't see her beaten. Let's Dance's advantage of being a second season novice last year was all very well and good, but Apple's Jade was also in her second season but was in open company and winning open company Grade 1's. Let's Dance goes off 1/2 tomorrow - different league entirely.
Agree with VVM and Limini - I'd fear Limini the most this season but that fear isn't really fear, i'm actually glad as her price will probably hold around even money for a while and even on the day if we're lucky.