Concertista - Mares Hurdle or Mares Chase?

Was having a look through for any sort of “value” that’s left in the ante post markets and stumbled across 365 offering 4/1 (both NRNB and BOG) on Concertista for the Mares Hurdle.

First of all, the Mares Hurdle is a Grade 1, whereas the Mares Chase is a Grade 2. Her first attempt at a Grade 1 came in last years Mares Hurdle where she got chinned by Black Tears. Her only other attempt at a Grade 1 was a few weeks later at Punchestown where she seemingly ran well below par for whatever reason. I can’t help but think there’s some unfinished business there and surely they must be desperate to get a Grade 1 win to her name.

This years Mares Hurdle looks wide open on paper. The 3 Mullins horses that look set to run here are Stormy Ireland, Burning Victory and Gaulouise. In my view, none of those can be considered “banker” material and it looks a wide open race on paper. But what price realistically would Concertista be on the day if she was to turn up here? Personally I don’t think she would go off any higher than 2/1. She went off the 10/11f last year and there’s also the chance that bookies could run scared if Mullins was to win the Supreme and Arkle beforehand.

This years Mares Chase also looks wide open. Elimay was of course the beaten favourite in last years race and she’s at the head of the market again with Mount Ida. They’ve faced each other twice previously and it’s 1-1 on the scoreboard. Concertista would be the “Colreevy” in that she would be the novice chaser in open company if she was to show up here.

In a recent stable tour, Mullins said, “I imagine Concertista will go to the Mares’ Chase and she has good form around Cheltenham. We worked her yesterday and she jumped some hurdles and some fences so we’re very happy. She has a small setback three weeks ago and yesterday was us seeing how she was and she jumped everything fine so we’re very pleased with her.“

If Willie Mullins is to believed, she’s going for the Mares Chase and that’s the end of discussion. I’m starting to have my doubts though.

Benie Des Dieux was campaigned over fences throughout the season before reverting back to hurdles when winning the Mares Hurdle. I’m aware there wasn’t a Mares Chase at the festival at the time but at least shows it can and has been done before.

The big question is, what’s more important to connections of Concertista - that all important and first Grade 1 win or another Grade 2 to add to the CV? Both of which are wide open as it stands. I just have a nagging feeling she could end up with a late switch to the Mares Hurdle on the Tuesday and the 4/1 NRNB and BOG could look big all things considered.