Smart Talk can teach Limini a lesson in Dawn Run Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle

David Metcalf | March 16, 2016

Smart money may be on Talk not Limini

Limini is a red-hot favourite to win the inaugural running of Grade 2 Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival (16.50), but Smart Talk looks decent value to lower her colours.

The Brian Ellison trained six-year-old has shown progressive form in winning four of her six starts over hurdles, and comes into the contest on the back off a career-best effort when landing a Grade 2 contest at Doncaster.

Smart Talk raced sweetly close up to the pace and after making a mistake when taking up the running three out showed a likeable attitude to dig deep and beat Lily Waugh by just over three lengths.

Form given a boost

The daughter of Hubbly Bubbly stayed on strongly to win going away, and the fourth home home Pass The Time ran an absolute blinder earlier in the week when fourth to Vroum Vroum Mag in the Grade 1 OLBG Mares’ Hurdle.

That gives the form a strong look in the contest of this contest, and sets the standard for others to aim at.

Another plus is that Smart Talk has plenty of experience over the obstacles compared to the vast majority of her rivals, and she is clearly thriving at present and may well have even more to offer.

Limini plenty short enough