McConnell hoping for big show from Bunina John McConnell is hoping for a big show from Anna Bunina in the Listed Bar One Handicap Hurdle at Fairyhouse this afternoon. The Poet's Voice mare returns to handicap company having finished well beaten in a mares contest behind Magical Zoe at Gowran Park on her last outing. She has proven a terrific servant for connections, winning the Scottish Champion Hurdle in April 2022 and finishing second in Grade 1 company at Punchestown last April. The seven-year-old was sixth in this race last year and McConnell said:- "She ran well in it last year actually. She's in good form and should run well in it, if it is on! "She would have a chance, the seven (Alex Harvey's claim) is a big help." Andy Slattery is hoping Sir Allen can take a step forward in the same two-mile contest. The Territories gelding takes a drop in class having finished a well-beaten fifth to Irish Point in Grade 3 company at Down Royal last time. Slattery feels the four-year-old is building himself back up to full fitness after an injury last season:- "He's not quite right yet - he's doing his best, but I don't think he is fully fit. He got an injury in Fairyhouse and he was standing in for two months. It is just taking a while to get him right. "There's a four-year-old only handicap hurdle, a 45 grand race, in Limerick over Christmas and that is his main aim." (Quotes by Michael Graham)
