CRYSTAL’S ALL CLEAR
Aintree – The switch back to hurdles has seen return to form and he remains well treated despite a 7lb hike for his latest success. The Henderson pair are possibles in an open affair and both ran at Cheltenham in the Martin Pipe. was unlucky to unseat after being hampered and finished with a flourish to take fifth. A chance is taken with the front-running
He will always be vulnerable to a rival with a turn of foot but ran an absolute blinder when fourth in a valuable Sandown handicap. He is up just 1lb and could get an uncontested lead. Aintree – This is a drop in grade for but he has plenty to prove after pulling up in the Champion Hurdle. He may very well realize his potential but he is probably best watched and a more reliable option is
He travelled powerfully in the Supreme Novices’ at Cheltenham and kept on resolutely to finished third. This good-actioned horse will relish the good ground. So should who steps up in class and was a stayer on the Flat but has shown plenty of speed in scoring twice at Taunton. Aintree – This looks another one for Nicky Henderson. He has and who fought out an incredible finish to the RSA Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham. Might Bite jumped the final fence 10 lengths clear but hung badly right, probably looking for the exit, allowing Whisper to catch him and go about a length up but, straightened out, Might Bite fought back for a nose success. Connections will be hoping for a more conventional finish today and Might Bite remains the one to beat. Aintree – Last year’s winner
is back for another crack and he is holding his form judged on his fifth in the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham. However, three places in front of him was who failed by a head to catch Special Tiara and he again looks the stronger of the pair. His recent efforts suggest that today’s trip, which he tries for the first time, should play to his strengths. has chased home Sizing John, winner of the Gold Cup, and then Un De Sceaux in the Ryanair. He should not be far away. Aintree – The inconsistent Eastlake, who won this 12 months ago, is back but on a 10lb higher mark and difficult to predict. who was seventh last year, also returns but in the interim has won over course and distance. That was in the Grand Sefton back in December when he jumped the big National fences impeccably, beating
five lengths with two lengths back in third. At the revised weights there is little to separate the trio but the selection may have had a bit more in hand.
makes his debut over these fences but he has looked a very good jumper in the four chases he has contested. He certainly looked progressive when second to Tully East at Cheltenham. Aintree – Had he not fallen two from home in the Albert Bartlett then there is every chance that
would have taken a hand in the finish. He was still travelling powerfully and did no favours to
who was just behind him and brought to a standstill. The latter got going and did very well to finish fourth. Both should play their part again and hopefully The Worlds End can gain compensation.
is the highest rated in the field and his third in the Cleeve Hurdle reads well in the context of this race but he has threatened to deceive on more than one occasion. Aintree – looked a useful recruit when winning on his bumper debut at Doncaster. He travelled sweetly through the race and was probably value for more than the official margin when beating two and a quarter lengths. The runner-up is 7lb better off and also comes here on the back of a third in the Cheltenham Champion Bumper last month. There should be little between the pair but the selection may have more scope.
has won his two races comfortably and may have more to offer along with
who was just two necks behind Claimantakinforgan at Cheltenham.