1942 Was A Vintage Year Mares' Hurdle (Grade 2)

1.50 Ascot
1942 Was A Vintage Year Mares' Hurdle (Registered As The Warfield Mares' Hurdle) (Grade 2) (Class 1) (4YO plus)
Winner £22,804

Pick: Carole’s Legacy (win)

Carole’s Legacy: Classy mare who was second to Quevga in the Mares Hurdle at the festival; Unexposed very fences, having won three of her four starts (other in a Mare’s Chase final); Impressive when beating Banjaxed Girl at Kempton first time out and ran a great race to be second to Tartak over fences last time; Proven over 3 miles and has big chance here.

Alasi: Back to her very best last time when second to Banjaxed Girl at Sandown and travelled much the best that day; This is a step up in Grade and step up to three miles not sure to suit.

Alverstone: Improved a lot in the jumping department when opening hurdling account over 3m at Chepstow, romping home by 14 lengths; Thrashed by Sparky May next time out and while she was convincing last time out, much more is needed here.

Fit To Drive: Not too hard to dismiss although she’s a pretty useful chaser.

Gold Reef: Has improved for the better form (like many) of her stable this year, landing a good handicap first time out before showing well in defeat last time; This much tougher task.

L’Accordioniste: Unbeaten in four starts under rules and landed a very tough handicap hurdle last time out, having come from miles back in home straight; Will get much further, maturing fast, and major player here.

Seren Cwmtudu: Showed willing attitude upped in trip last time at Taunton but previous form doesn’t give her chance.

Sparky May: Has won all three of her starts over timber, despite having left her legs trailing on more than one occasion; 27 length trashing of Alverstone is seriously impressive and has claims here if three miles is up her street.

VERDICT: The seriously progressive L’Accordioniste should have a lot more to give over this trip but in CAROLE’S LEGACY she’ll have a serious rival to handle and Nicky Henderson’s mare has outstanding claims.