Cheltenham Festival News: Mares' Chase date for Elimay, by way of Naas
Elimay (left) and Colreevy fight it out at Cheltenham
Willie Mullins is bringing out his stars and leading mare Elimay will run at Naas before another crack at the Mrs Paddy Power Mares' Chase at Cheltenham.
Willie Mullins' star mare chaser Elimay is looking to open her account in style and book her return ticket to the Cheltenham Festival by winning the BBA Ireland Limited Opera Hat Mares Chase at Naas once more.
The Irish-trained grey was a simple winner of the Listed contest 12 months ago before being narrowly beaten by stablemate Colreevy in the inaugural Mares' Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.
She finished off her campaign with another Listed win at Fairyhouse, but has had to be content with minor honours in two previous outings this term - most recently going down by half a length to Mount Ida.
Assistant trainer Patrick Mullins is reasonably hopeful that Elimay can get back in the winner's enclosure this weekend before returning to Prestbury Park next month.
He said: "Elimay is in great form and this looks a really nice opportunity to get her back to winning ways.
"Court Maid is quite closely matched to her in ratings, but doesn't appear to be in the form she was. Hopefully Elimay can get her head in front and it should be a perfect launchpad back to Cheltenham
"The Opera Hat Chase is a valuable race in its own right with a good history and we're looking forward to Elimay running in it."
Elimay faces competition from Gordon Elliott's Mount Ida and Riviere D'Etel should she go at Cheltenham.
