International Hurdle debrief

International Hurdle debrief

Laurina and Summerville Boy are the standout names in the International Hurdle field, at the first declaration stage.

We are yet to see Willie Mullins' top Mares Novice from last season, after she skipped both the Coral Hurdle at Ascot as well as the Hattons Grace in Ireland due to fears over the quick surface.

She could make her first start of the season as her stablemate Melon did twelve months ago, on his route towards becoming a narrow runner-up in the Champion Hurdle.

The 5yo would also be in the only mare in the field, lining up against ten male counterparts, featuring as named - Summerville Boy, who was last of four finishers to Buveur D'Air in the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle a fortnight ago, and will be out to make a statement.

Silver Streak could sadly not land a hat-trick of wins here last time in the Greatwood, but ran an almighty race to finish a neck-second to Brian Ellison's Nietzsche, in a race featuring less obstacles than anticipated.

Nicky Henderson has three in the race - two of which owned by Simon Munir and Isaac Souede: Call Me Lord and We Have A Dream; the latter who is just four-years-old, has not been at his best on his two outings this season, most recently only managing fourth in the Coral Hurdle.

The Champion Trainer is also represented with Brain Power, who now reverts back to hurdles for the first time in 18 months, after more letters than numbers in his form guide over fences.

The New One looks to have one last throw of the dice in him, with connections seeking retirement should he fail to fire, whilst at the other end of the spectrum, Vision Des Flos and Western Ryder fly the flags for the remaining 5yos.

Jeremy Scott's Unison and Paul Nicholls' Old Guard complete the 11-strong runner field.

The final declarations will be on Thursday, with completed jockey bookings.