Elimay has always been campaigned at a high level over fences. She has won Grade 3 and Grade 2 races and was successful twice in similar company last season. Brian Hughes takes over the reins on Willie Mullins’ mare, who has the highest rating in this. However, she won’t be much of a price and ANNIE MC is more than capable of giving her a race on her best form which included a five-length defeat of Zambella at Warwick in February. Dolly Dancer would need a few mishaps to figure.
Annie Mc (IRE) 13-8fav (11-4) Chased leaders, went 2nd after 7th, pushed along before 2 out, led last, drew clear final 150 yards, stayed on well, won at Warwick 2m 4f lst (1) sft in Feb beating Zambella (11-4) by 5 1/2l, 5 ran.
Elimay (FR) 8-15fav (11-7) Tracked leaders, 3rd halfway, headway in 2nd after 4 out, led 2 out and pushed along, ridden and kept on run-in, won at Fairyhouse 2m 5f lst (1) Yielding in Apr beating Demi Plie (10-13) by 1 1/4l, 5 ran.
Zambella (FR) 4-1 (10-12) Handy, left behind by winner before 3 out, stayed on one pace, weakened from last flight, 4th of 7, 14 1/4l behind Molly Ollys Wishes (11-2) at Wetherby 2m lst (1) gs in Oct.
Dolly Dancer (IRE) 14-1 (10-5) Disputed lead, slow jump 3 out, lost place and weakened tamely, tailed off, last of 7, dist behind Sultans Pride (11-6) at Kelso 3m 2f hcp (3) sft in Nov.
