Gordon Elliott is set to unleash Apple's Jade in Sunday's Hatton's Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse as the star mare goes in search of a third victory in the coveted Grade 1 showpiece, but the 2017 Mares' Hurdle winner at the Cheltenham Festival is set to face a host of smart rivals in what is set to be an intriguing renewal this weekend.
Willie Mullins, who has saddled the likes of Hurricane Fly and Arctic Fire to victory in this race in recent years, is set to field a strong battalion in the 2018 renewal and Laurina could spearhead the Co. Carlow charge as she looks to make waves in the elite division over hurdles. A runaway 18-length winner of the Mares' Novice Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in March, the five-year-old will now face the toughest test of her career against a proven top-class Grade 1 performer in Apple's Jade.
Benie Des Deux defeated Apple's Jade when the pair clashed in the 2018 Mares' Hurdle at Cheltenham and the former will look to build on that fine festival win with victory on Sunday, while Melon could be another notable shot fired from the Mullins gun in a race that often delivers some top hurdling talent.
Supasundae was a gallant second behind Penhill in the Stayers' Hurdle in March and Jessica Harrington's charge could look to grab another notable race success on a card that also has the Royal Bond Novice Hurdle and Drinmore Novice Chase to shout about.
Samcro is entered, but is likely to head to Newcastle for the Fighting Fifth Hurdle, while Sutton Place, Limini and Triumph Hurdle hero Farclas also feature in a 16-strong entry list which is sure to propel a talented winner into the limelight.