Can Love Envoi beat big guns in the Mares' Hurdle? Three experts have their say

Love Envoi: a comprehensive winner at Sandown

Last year's Mares Novices' Hurdle winner Love Envoi demonstrated her credentials for the major mares' prize at this season's Cheltenham Festival with a dominant victory at Sandown on Saturday, her eighth in nine starts. But is she good enough to down a potential challenge of Honeysuckle, Marie's Rock and Epatante in March?

'She probably has to improve again'

Love Envoi was impressive at Sandown but her issue is the Mares' Hurdle is looking thoroughly competitive. Even if Honeysuckle and Epatante go for the Champion Hurdle, there are plenty of talented mares waiting in the wings. Last year's winner Marie's Rock looked better and speedier than ever in the Relkeel Hurdle, while Brandy Love, who has yet to run this season, beat Love Envoi at Fairyhouse in April. She probably has to improve again and I think the market has the race spot on at the moment.
Maddy Playle, reporter

'Epatante arguably has more raw talent'

Bad ground would boost Love Envoi's chances and her likeable attitude is another plus, but Epatante is the one if connections decide to run in the race. She has seen the backend of Constitution Hill twice this season and has been no match for him, but who will be?

Epatante showed her ability over an intermediate trip at Aintree last April

Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

There was a time when Epatante looked pure speed, but she has a fine Cheltenham record and it is hard to forget how she tanked through the Aintree Hurdle over 2m4f in the spring. Honeysuckle aside, she arguably has more raw talent than most of her possible opposition.
James Burn, Lambourn correspondent

Love Envoi and Brandy Love are the rising forces in the division

It should be remembered that Love Envoi’s win at the Cheltenham Festival came under a 5lb penalty and she looks to have improved again this campaign. You could argue she had only one realistic form rival here, kicking Martello Sky out of the way by 13 lengths was a very smart effort.

Her only defeat over hurdles came at Fairyhouse at the end of last season and it might just be that she and the horse that beat her that day, Brandy Love, are the rising forces in the division.

While Epatante and Marie's Rock are respected, the only horse that should really scare connections of Love Envoi and Brandy Love is Honeysuckle, who I have a very hard time seeing as a runner in the Mares' Hurdle.
Scott Burton, France correspondent

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