COUNTY HANDICAP HURDLE

2.10 GRADE THREE — 2 MILES 179 YARDS

ARAMON, fifth in last year’s Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, has somehow found his way into a handicap and looks to have major claims if the ground keeps drying out. Few travelled better than Aramon 12 months ago and his latest effort in the Irish Champion Hurdle could barely have worked out any better. Aramon was a 20-1 chance that day to beat Honeysuckle and Darver Star, so to finish fifth, beaten just eight lengths, was a notable performance — especially as the winner won the mares’ event this week, while Darver Star hit the frame in the Champion Hurdle. Stolen Silver was nearly knocked over in the Betfair Hurdle and was at the back of the field, so it was to his credit that he finished within six lengths of the winner.