Sunday, 1 October 2017

Cromwell confident Jer's Girl can recapture Group One winning form in Istabraq Hurdle

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Dual novice Group One winning hurdler Jer's Girl hopes to stamp her authority, as Gavin Cromwell's six-year-old takes on a competitive field of six in Tipperary's Istabraq Hurdle (3:25).

Winner of the Mares Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse, and a ten length winner of Punchestown's Champion Novice Hurdle back in 2016, she makes her first start over hurdles since falling in the Mares Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

She won rather impressively on Monday, breaking her maiden on the flat at Roscommon by just under six lengths, and her trainer has opted to test her against some of Ireland's leading hurdlers.

"We ran her on Monday, and the quick turnaround wasn't really planned," said Cromwell.

"She came out of her flat maiden really well.

"She seems in good nick so we are going to take our chance."

Willie Mullins' Coquin Mans looks the most dangerous of rivals, as the five-year-old hopes to extend his unbeaten run to six races.

He makes his first start in pattern company, having won easily by eight lengths on his last jumps outing at Cork.

"He's done really well for us so far," said the Irishman.

"It's a big step up for him, but it's important for us to get an idea of how good he is.

The master of Closutton also runs Ivan Grozny, who won this prize last season.

"He likes the trip and he like the ground," he added.

"I hope he should run well for us, but I fear he may find it hard."

Former Champion Hurdle hero Jezki makes her seasonal return for Jessica Harrington.

The veteran nine-year-old could only finish eighth at Cheltenham last season, and disappointed when trailing a field of five in handicap company on his last start. Harrington is also represented by outsider Forge Meadow.

Triumph Hurdle fourth Ex Patriot also takes his place, Ellmarie Holden's four-year-old was an unlucky loser in handicap company at Listowel last time out.

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