3 minute read

Classy hurdler was beaten on her debut over fences.

Stormy Ireland  is a hot favourite to open her account over fences in the Bangor On Dee Racecourse Mares' Novices' Chase at the Welsh venue.

Now with Paul Nicholls, having won six times for Willie Mullins, she was beaten on her chasing debut at Newton Abbot by Eldorado Allen.

On official ratings, she is 12lb clear of her nearest rival, Nicky Henderson's Elusive Belle – who was last seen finishing fifth in the County Hurdle.

Nigel Twiston-Davies fields two against the favourite on Wednedsay, Zambella  and Vienna Court , in the search for valuable black type.

Zambella, who was well beaten on her seasonal reappearance at Market Rasen, is making her chasing debut.

"The ground went a little bit quick for her that day, so it wasn't ideal," Twiston-Davies told Sky Sports Racing.

"She jumps fences really well.

"It's a hot old race – there are some nice horses in there, but we want her to be placed and get some black type.

"She was bought mainly for fences rather than hurdles.

"Vienna Court jumps well too – and while I'm not suggesting she's going to go and win, if she can be placed it will make her a lovely breeding prospect later on."