Nap of the Day: Mahler mare can hand costly rival ninth-straight defeat

It was great to be back in the winners' enclosure on Wednesday, as King Of Kingsfield (advised at 13/8) landed the Grade 3 novice chase at Punchestown.

Fingers crossed there'll be more joy for Nap of the Day followers on Thursday, courtesy of one in the opener at Thurles.

Is it finally time for Qualimita, who cost half-a-million euros, to get off the mark at Thurles on Thursday? I wouldn't bet on it.

Gordon Elliott's six-year-old daughter of Muhtathir attracted that mouth-watering fee at the Punchestown Festival sales in April 2023, just days after bolting up by 30 lengths in a point-to-point at Fairyhouse.

Since then, she's raced eight times under rules, recording form figures of 3242325F.

It's not terrible, but a long way off what you'd expect of a €500k buy. It also raises serious questions about her attitude.

On top of that, I don't think she's a two-miler - certainly not on good ground. I don't think she's a hurdler, either, and I understand she's set to go over fences at some point this season, so I'm not confident she'll be 100% fit on Thursday.

So, despite the fact she's in receipt of a handy eight-pound allowance as a result of her failure to find a way into the winners' enclosure, I'm pushed to look for an alternative.

Charles Byrnes' RUN FOR MAHLER is the one that stands out like a sore thumb after a highly-encouraging debut over hurdles at Listowel last month.

The six-year-old mare, whose form in bumpers including a victory over the useful Good Girl Kathleen is thoroughly decent, was runner-up to Carrigmoornaspruce, winner of a Grade 3 at this year's Punchestown Festival.

Back in third, trailing by over seven lengths, was Amen Kate, who also boasts above-average bumper form.

If Qualimita disappoints again, Run For Mahler - a half-brother to highly-rated, dual-purpose stablemate Run For Oscar who runs later on the card - can pick up the pieces as unless the brilliantly-named Gangster Granny, a Flat recruit for Jessie Harrington, proves otherwise, this is a modest field.

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