Day 1 - 4:00 Mares Hurdle Preview & Selection

The Mares Hurdle being a Grade 1 affair is undeniably fantastic for the sport as a whole where mares are concerned. In recent years, it has been dominated by the Mullins wonder-mare Quevega, winner of six renewals before retiring at Punchestown at the end of last season. She was definitely a cut above the rest, yet never got the chance to attempt to beat the boys at the festival - this race was always her sole target.

Annie Power is undoubtedly the best horse on form

Perhaps more impressive than Quevega was at this stage in her career is Annie Power, undefeated heading into last year's festival when she was beaten by More Of That coming up the hill in the World Hurdle. She's back into easier company this season instead of taking a shot at what looks an easier World Hurdle than last year's - however, with her weight allowance, Mullins has suggested that she could be a Champion Hurdle contender over a shorter trip in the future.

The mares have a dire record at the festival when attempting to beat the boys, but this isn't reflective of the  talented mares currently in training. There are plenty of talented mares running today, but nothing we have seen can even suggest that they're up to the standard of Annie Power.

Simply fantastic, I would be bullish in saying that if she was to be campaigned as conservatively as Quevega was throughout her career then Annie Power could achieve as much success if not more. This obviously must be a temptation for Mullins and Ricci (imagine how their record in the race would look if Annie won the next five renewals) but I doubt it will be the case and sincerely hope not. A horse with Annie Power's talent and potential needs to go and achieve as much as possible, needs to be campaigned boldly to succeed in and dominate the top races of the calendar.

Let's have a look at some of today's more highly rated opposition.

Glens Melody was impressive last time out

Glens Melody was impressive in victory at Warwick last time out, showing a bit of class and bringing her record to 3 from 3 at that track. It would be fair to suggest that she was denied some festival glory by stablemate Quevega despite probably being worthy of a victory herself, and Quevega's victory is unlikely to make matters better for Glens Melody at this year's festival with Annie Power set to dominate. She ran a good race to finish 2nd in this last year and a similar display would not be a surprise, but she has been popular in the market and is no longer an each-way opportunity.

The best English hope is probably Polly Peachum from Henderson's yard, pulled up on her last start at Kempton in November on soft ground on which she has been ineffective in the past. On good ground, she could return to her characteristic consistency (lifetime form of 210411121 on good to soft or better compared to 105P on soft or worse). However, a long layoff after being pulled up has to be a worry and like many of Henderson's high-profile festival runners this year, we don't know enough about their well-being at home.

Caroles Spirit has been very consistent over the past while

Caroles Spirit's consistency is even more admirable, with lifetime form of 43123111212 (14/1 may seem like a big price considering this). She has never contested a Grade 1 but her Grade 2 places and listed wins suggest that she could put up some sort of a fight in top company. Her recent form is over 3m but she drops back in trip and wears blinkers for the first time so she could be of interest here.

L’Unique was 3^rd in this race last year and it’s hard not to think that that was her chance, with this year’s Annie Power arguably a more formidable opponent that last year’s Quevega. Unseen since November, she has place claims if she’s fit after a long break and based on some of her past form. However, she’s unlikely to compete with the favourite.

Annie Power has been injured and hasn’t been seen since last May – over 300 days off the track. However, she is reportedly training very well and it’s hard to see past her on form and talent alone. She’s simply of a different class to her opponents today and she has to be the pick of this field.

SELECTION: ANNIE POWER 8/11