Annie Mc put in some eye-catching performances last term, so looks the one to be on in the feature 3m Listed mares’ hurdle at Kempton on Monday (14:05).
Prior to joining current trainer Jonjo O’Neill, she was twice a runner-up in Irish points. The form of those has worked out very well.
After chasing home subsequent Grade 1 winner Honeysuckle, Annie Mc filled the same spot behind Silver Forever.
That one has since gone on to land both of her hurdles starts as well as a Listed bumper.
Although Annie Mc took time to win in this sphere, once she did get her head in front it was impressive.
Victory came at the fourth time of asking in a mares’ handicap hurdle at Chepstow off a mark of 118.
Jonjo O’Neill Junior held the daughter of Mahler up well off the pace, but made good headway three out. She led two out and was then ridden clear for an 18-length victory.
Why Annie Mc appeals
The handicapper didn’t take this superb display literally and only raised her rating 10lb.
While she was then only fifth next time up at Exeter, there were excuses. Annie Mc lost a shoe in the run, so a line can be put through that effort.
After being dropped 1lb by the assessor, she sluiced up in the Grade 2 Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle Final at Newbury.
That limited handicap success saw her again come from off the pace to win – this time eased down by eight lengths.
Annie Mc was obviously value for plenty more than the winning margin. Now eased in grade to this Listed mares’ hurdle, she looks well worth a crack back up in trip.
O’Neill Junior is on a 29 per cent strike rate in the saddle over the last 14 days. His father’s stable is in decent form too, so plenty points to this mare at 5/2 with Unibet to win again.
As the joint top rated in the line-up, Annie Mc is preferred to course and distance winner Culture De Sivola as she has more scope for improvement than Nick Williams’ mare.
Bet of the Day: 5/2 with Unibet, Annie Mc wins the Listed mares’ hurdle at Kempton.
