Betway Aintree Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

Off time: 15:31 | Winning time: 5m 10.42s

Brewin'upastorm^p1,t³⁹

Age: 9| Weight: 11-7| J: S Bowen| T: O Murphy| OR: 155| CD

5/1

Very smart hurdler who bagged conditions event at Lingfield before good second to Botox Has in National Spirit Hurdle at Fontwell (19.2f). Cheekpieces go on now and he's no forlorn hope.

Form: 15-1F12

Glory And Fortune^t²³

Age: 7| Weight: 11-7| J: Stan Sheppard| T: T Lacey| OR: 154

10/1

Improved performer this season, holding on gamely in Betfair Hurdle at Newbury before excellent fifth to Honeysuckle in Champion Hurdle (150/1) at Cheltenham. Not discounted back up in trip.

Form: 164215

Guard Your Dreams³⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: N & W Twiston-Davies| OR: 145| D

18/1

Already a dual winner this season and he posted another solid effort when third of 6 to Botox Has in National Spirit Hurdle at Fontwell (19.2f) 39 days ago. This demands plenty more, however.

Form: 131323

McFabulous^p1⁶⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 11-7| J: Lorcan Williams| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 150| C

28/1

Dual Grade 2 winner last season who returned with good second in Relkeel at Cheltenham before below-par fourth in 3m Cleeve Hurdle there in January. Cheekpieces are reached for now with a bit to prove after his break.

Form: 3128-24

Monmiral³⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-7| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 149| BF| C

8/1

Went unbeaten in 5 starts last term, but he beat only one in Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle and again performed below par when fourth in National Spirit Hurdle at Fontwell (19.2f) 39 days ago. Has questions to answer now.

Form: 1111-54

Zanahiyr^p,t²³

Age: 5| Weight: 11-7| J: Jack Kennedy| T: G Elliott| OR: 159

15/8

Three-time runner-up at Grade 1 level in Ireland this term and he posted another solid effort in first-time cheekieces when third to Honeysuckle in Champion Hurdle (28/1) at Cheltenham. This longer trip has long promised to suit, so the Irish raider merits serious consideration.

Form: 2-12223

Epatante²³

Age: 8| Weight: 11-0| J: Aidan Coleman| T: N J Henderson| OR: 154

2/1

Stylish 2020 Champion Hurdle heroine who looked right back to her best when chasing home Honeysuckle in latest edition. Holds the edge at these weights but has her stamina to prove over this longer trip.

Form: 233-112

Forecasts

Zanahiyr (15/8), Epatante (2/1), Brewin'upastorm (5/1), Monmiral (8/1), Glory And Fortune (10/1), Guard Your Dreams (18/1), McFabulous (28/1)

ZANAHIYR finished a place behind runner-up Epatante in the Champion Hurdle but promises to be much better suited by this half-mile longer trip than Nicky Henderson's speedy mare so gets the nod in a fascinating Aintree Hurdle. The cheekpieces which suited Gordon Elliott's consistent 5-y-o at Cheltenham are again sported here too for last year's winning connections. Brewin'upastorm appeals as the pick of the remainder for minor honours just ahead of Glory And Fortune.