Laurina teed herself up for a crack at the Champion Hurdle with a smooth display in the Smart Money’s On Coral Quevega Mares Hurdle at Punchestown. With Apple’s Jade already confirmed as going for the Champion Hurdle, Laurina looks another live danger to current holder Buveur D’Air — who has won the last two renewals. It worked for (2016 Champion Hurdle winner) Annie Power winning this, and Limini and Apple’s Jade have used it too. The buzz and bustle of Cheltenham will really sharpen her up — and for a Champion Hurdle, she is going to have to be sharper. “We knew we were going to have pace in the race today with Stormy Ireland, who is a nice yardstick too.

Source: The Irish Times February 20, 2019 15:22 UTC