Kotkikova was fourth in the Christmas Hurdle at Leopardstown on her first start for new connections. She had smart form in France over hurdles and fences, winning a Grade 1 in 2015, but it’s difficult to equate that form with the UK and Irish mares and she was behind WHITEOUT at Leopardstown. That was a return to form for Willie Mullins’ mare, who is also a Grade 1 winner, and she can win this for her yard for the second year running. Rons Dream didn’t take to fences last time and looks the pick of the remainder being much higher rated than elevated handicappers Happy Diva and Dolores Delightful. The novice Ms Parfois will be winning soon but only when she has her sights lowered.
Kotkikova (FR) 7-1 (11-3) Held up behind leaders, 6th halfway, improved into 3rd before 8th, ridden and no extra entering straight, 6th and kept on one pace before last, left 5th, 5th of 8, 9 1/2l behind Vroum Vroum Mag (11-3) at Leopardstown 3m (1) Yielding in Dec.
Whiteout (GER) 66-1 (11-3) Chased leader, 2nd halfway, dropped to 4th before 8th, ridden entering straight, no impression in 5th before last, left 4th, kept on one pace, 4th of 8, 7 1/4l behind Vroum Vroum Mag (11-3) at Leopardstown 3m (1) Yielding in Dec.
Rons Dream 6-1 (11-0) Not fluent, chased front pair until 8th, weakened before 11th, pulled up after, at Warwick 2m 4f lst (1) sft in Dec.
Dolores Delightful (FR) 7-2 (11-10) Took keen hold, held up, steady headway tracking leaders 9th, pushed along in modest 4th after 3 out, no headway after, 4th of 8, 9 1/4l behind Nordic Nymph (10-9) at Kempton 3m hcp (2) gd in Dec.
Happy Diva (IRE) 9-4jfav (12-4) Prominent, led before 3 out, always going well, shaken up a little after last, very easily, won at Wetherby 3m hcp (4) gs in Jan beating Two Swallows (11-6) by 7l, 7 ran.
Lady Of Longstone (IRE) 33-1 (11-8) Led to before 2nd, tracked leader, lost place approaching 4 out, weakened next, 5th of 15, 34l behind Tobefair (11-3) at Chepstow 3m hcp (3) gd in Dec.
Ms Parfois (IRE) 16-1 (11-0) Led, hung right on stable bend after 4th, headed 6th, led after next, headed before 3 out, soon outpaced, rallied and went 3rd flat, 3rd of 6, 8 1/4l behind Colin's Sister (11-0) at Haydock 2m 3f lst (1) sft in Dec.
