Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle Odds: Mullins goes for six with Jade De Grugy

One of the most recent additions to the Cheltenham Festival schedule takes place on Thursday with the ninth running of the Mares' Novices' Hurdle (16:50).

Willie Mullins dominated the first five editions of the race, and he looks to regain his supremacy when he sends Paul Townend out on Jade De Grugy in this year's contest. The Mares' Novices' Hurdle odds show Mullins' runner is among those given a hope in what ought to be a tight affair.

Brighterdaysahead @ 11/8

Brightdaysahead has had some very bright days already, having won five out of five races so far. Three of them came over hurdles, and the reviews have only become more and more rave over time.

She is ridden for the fourth consecutive time by Jack Kennedy here, and trainer Gordon Elliott is very confident of her chances to go six from six.

Jade De Grugy @ 2/1

Willie Mullins has trained this horse to consecutive victories in her first two races, and Paul Townend returns to the saddle here having ridden her to an easy 15l success at Leopardstown in December.

Another big win - by six-and-a-half lengths - at Fairyhouse in January tees her up for a big chance here, and Mullins' five straight wins between 2016 and 2020 make this a familiar task for the ace trainer.

Dysart Enos @ 4/1

Another 100 per center, having won six straight, comes into this one having been exclusively entered into novice races this season.

She has a 5lb advantage on the two heavier-backed horses here, and comes off the back of a trio of hurdle successes at Huntingdon, Cheltenham and Doncaster over the winter months. Fergal O'Brien sends Paddy Brennan out on her again having seen the pairing triumph on her last five runs.

Golden Ace @ 12/1

Lorcan Williams rides this six-year-old having piloted her to back-to-back victories in 2024, both at Taunton.

She was second behind fellow entrant Dysart Enos in the Aintree Mares' bumper at last year's Grand National meeting, but has better form this season and has performed whatever the ground.

Birdie Or Bust @ 16/1

The Rachael Blackmore/Henry de Bromhead stardust might not be quite enough for this six-year-old, who was well beaten by Brighterdaysahead just a few months ago at Down Royal. Did win her next effort at Thurles but not fancied to hit the top step of the podium here.

Majestic Force @ 28/1

Won her maiden effort in Punchestown in February under Rachael Blackmore, and is ridden here by Darragh O'Keeffe.

Another de Bromhead hope, but the steep rise in grade from that first run-out makes her an outsider.

Casa No Mento @ 33/1

Nigel Twiston-Davies sends son Sam out on Casa No Mento having seen his lad ride her to two wins in four previous races.

She has recent form in wins at Market Rasen and Hereford but lost to odds-on favourite Queens Gamble at Taunton last time out and was a very distant 10th when Dysart Enos won over 2m at Aintree last year.

Mollys Mango @ 40/1

Mollys Mango makes her debut for Harry Derham having managed three wins at seven attempts out of Gordon Elliott's stables.

This being her first major event, Derham is likely to find out a lot about his acquisition, with Paul O'Brien also riding her for the first time.

Little Miss Dante @ 40/1

Pulled up when expected to perform at Sandown last month, and not backed to contend here.

Sean Bowen does already have a couple of wins on her this term, at Ayr and Uttoxeter, but has yet to adapt to any steps up in quality.

Titanium Moon @ 66/1

Donald McCain trained this six-year-old to four straight victories last summer but both the ground and the lower stakes were favourable, which they won't be here.

Came third at Musselburgh last time out, and Brian Hughes will have a job on to get her competing in this one.

Victoria Milano @ 100/1

A winner of two out of three so far over hurdles marks her out as a horse of some talent, but she is another who has yet to do it among this kind of company.

Alastair Ralph has picked Jack Tudor to ride her on her trio of outings so far, and he backs the youngster to take her on a much tougher trip this time.

Find more Cheltenham Tips here at Betfred Insights