Ainsi steps up in class at Limerick

Connections of Ainsi Va La Vie are hoping her previous experience of Limerick will prove an advantage when she bids for Grade Two honours in the Guinness Novice Hurdle on Friday.

The seven-year-old mare, trained by Willie Mullins, made a successful racecourse debut in a bumper there in July and got off the mark over jumps when taking a hike up in trip to two miles and seven furlongs at Thurles last month.

On that evidence, this three miles should pose no problem but Ainsi Va La Vie has four rivals to overcome, including stablemate Fabulous Saga who won by 70 lengths at Cork last time.

Steve Massey, racing manager for her owners the Supreme Racing Club, said: "She's stepping up in grade. She won very well at the course on debut and will like the ground and trip.

"Hopefully she will run well again and get in the mix against some very good horses, including Fabulous Saga, who won by half the track last time."

The Mullins pair are taken on by the Noel Meade-trained Minella Fair as well as Burren Life and Delta Work from Gordon Elliott's yard.