OLBG Mares - Wiki Stats dominated by Quevega the Festival Banker
The OLBG Mares’ Hurdle is one of the newer races at the festival and as such, trends are not yet mature for the final race on day one. There is one trend that stands out though; Willie Mullins’ Irish mare Quevega has won three of the four runnings in 2009, 2010 & 2011. The good news for stat fans is that she is due to line-up again and I see no reason to oppose her for win purposes. Trainer Willie Mullins has master minded this top race-mare’s career and her racecourse appearances are generally limited to the Championship races. It is clear she does not need a prep-race so expect her to be spot-on come the day and once again, looks the Festival banker.
Voler La Vedette has an interesting profile in that she has won on all grounds and from 2-miles to 3-miles. She is due to contest the Irish Champion Hurdle at the end of January and she will go into that on the back of two consecutive personal best efforts. Certainly looks strong each-way at this stage for the Mares’ Hurdle but the fact is that she has been well-beaten twice by Quevega, so the win might prove elusive. Also entered in the World Hurdle alongside Quevega.
Dermot Weld’s Unaccompanied has more of a flat racing pedigree than many who will go to Cheltenham and she is not entered in the World Hurdle, rather she is a possible Champion Hurdle contender. She also heads to Leopardstown for the Irish Champion and she looks the main danger to Hurricane Fly. Her form has hit new heights this winter and although she looks on the face of it a good place bet for the OLBG Mares’ Hurdle, there is a real possibility she will go for the Champion Hurdle so her appeal Ante-Post for this race is low.
Stats are thin on the ground as I mentioned but the limited evidence points to a young horse and maybe Kentford Grey Lady is a value each-way bet at 16/1. Trained by Emma Lavelle, this 6-y-o has hit new heights the last twice and given she has only had six races, looks likely to improve further. Runs at Ascot today 2.05 (January 21st) in a race for which she will start favourite. Likely to shorten if she wins and although she will struggle to match those at the front of the market, she might be up to making the frame.