Pace/Draw Angle: Bellewstown’s sharp track generally favours those racing prominently. No obvious confirmed trailblazers but Love At Sea has made the running before, while Mullins’ Adela Icon has been keen when dropped in and could be ridden forward with a hood. A muddling pace possible, suiting the handier types.
Strongest Contenders
- Adela Icon (W P Mullins) – Progressive
Only win came on heavy but better ground looks a plus, as hinted by bumper efforts. RPR 132 latest at Kilbeggan (close 3rd) gives her the strongest single piece of form. Still a bit keen, but if she settles she’s a major player under Hayes. - Cooke’s Lass (G Elliott) – Promising
Won a Wexford maiden (2m4f), unlucky not to follow up at Kilbeggan, then fell when in contention. Her 133 RPR suggests she’s at least as good as Adela Icon, and her proven stamina is an asset around here. - Atomic Queen (P Fahey) – Progressive
Improved sharply when bolting up at Downpatrick (17f, good). Earlier Punchestown bumper 2nd (RPR 122) reads very well. A clean jumper, lightly raced, and open to plenty more.
Main Dangers
- Jane Eire (H De Bromhead) – Proven but Flat Liner?
Solid 3rd at Listowel (RPR 131) and not disgraced in the Mares’ Novice at Cheltenham. Has run to a level but looks a little exposed compared with the improvers. - Gers Gigi (G Elliott) – Capable but Quirky
Scored at Sligo last summer, recent chase efforts mixed. RPR 134 when 2nd at Listowel in May shows she’s dangerous at her best, but she’s inconsistent and not straightforward.
Interesting Outsider
- Eastern Wind (T McCourt)
Flat winner at Bellewstown, also scored over hurdles at Tipperary (RPR 119). Probably not up to the principals but this is her track and she’s versatile regarding ground. Could sneak a place if they go too hard. - Love At Sea (E Power)
Coming off a Cork maiden hurdle win (RPR 118) and a good 2nd prior at Ballinrobe. Tactically versatile and has a battling attitude. Not dismissed for a minor role, but needs to find a few pounds.
Runner Scores (Suitability /10)
- Adela Icon – 8/10 (best form, but needs to settle)
- Cooke’s Lass – 8/10 (strong profile, danger if completing)
- Atomic Queen – 8/10 (progressive, still improving)
- Jane Eire – 7/10 (solid but more exposed)
- Gers Gigi – 6/10 (talented but risky)
- Eastern Wind – 6/10 (track a positive, lacks class)
- Love At Sea – 6/10 (game mare, but a level below top three)
Private Tissue Estimate
- Adela Icon – 5/2
- Cooke’s Lass – 3/1
- Atomic Queen – 7/2
- Jane Eire – 6/1
- Gers Gigi – 10/1
- Eastern Wind – 14/1
- Love At Sea – 14/1
Summary
A tight little mares’ hurdle, with three standout improvers: Adela Icon, Cooke’s Lass, and Atomic Queen. The first two bring the best established RPRs, while Atomic Queen has more upside. Jane Eire is consistent but probably needs the others to underperform.
Smart Play:
- Win bet – Cooke’s Lass (proven ability, strong RPRs, and still progressing)
- Saver – Adela Icon (top piece of recent form, Mullins factor)
- Each-way outsider – Eastern Wind (course winner, could nick a place if pace collapses).
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