REECE’S LONGSHOT | Punchestown: Saturday’s Each-Way Bet of the Day

Laurina – 3.20 Punchestown (20/1 – Coral, Ladbrokes, William Hill)

A former recruit of Willie Mullins and Paul Nicholls, Laurina is brought out of retirement to compete in Grade 1 company once again in the form of the Mares’ Champion Hurdle at Punchestown.

The eight-year-old is now under the guidance of Cormac Farrell, who is hoping to revive the mare’s top-class form that saw her win the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival and the Grade 1 Mares Novice Hurdle Championship Final at Fairyhouse back in 2018.

She has experienced a few health issues as she did burst blood vessels on her final start back in November, but there is no question that she is a top-level contender when she is fit.

The mare is a C&D winner and has won on quicker ground at Punchestown previously, winning the Quevaga Mares’ Hurdle back in 2019.

With a price of 20/1, Laurina could push for the places on her return here.