John McConnell is hoping Anna Bunina can bounce back to her best, when she lines up in the Bective Stud Tea Rooms & Apartments Mullacurry Cup Handicap Hurdle at Bellewstown this evening.

A brilliant servant to connections, the eight-year-old has won 10-times, with her last success coming on the level at Killarney in August of 2022.

Dropping down the handicap of late, the Caroline Ahearn-owned bay will face 14-rivals on the Hill of Crockafotha, with this extended two-and-a-half mile contest appearing a very competitive affair.

"She is coming down the weights and didn't run too badly in Galway," McConnell reflected.

"She might not be the same as she was. If she doesn't run close to her mark in the next run or two, we will probably retire her. She doesn't owe us anything.

"She is coming to a dangerous mark now, the handicapper has given her a chance. She is on 128 and Alex (Harvey) takes 5lb off her. You would like to think she would run well.

"She ran very well in the Pertemps and maybe the Pertemps left its mark. It was a right slog in soft ground for her."

Additional reporting by Michael Graham