William Hill Aintree Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

Off time: 16:05 | Winning time: 4m 55.14s

Alexei^t³⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: Brendan Powell| T: J Tizzard| OR: 158

12/1

Has thrived this season, bagging third win in Grade 2 Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton. Ran a cracker when fourth in Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, challenging for a place when making a mess of the last. However, this longer trip not sure to benefit him as much as Brighterdaysahead and The New Lion.

Form: 211314

El Fabiolo³⁸

Age: 9| Weight: 11-10| J: Paul Townend| T: W P Mullins| OR: 155

4/1

Top-class chaser though often let down by jumping. Campaigned over hurdles this season, showing smart form when winning a couple of minor events. Probably has a bigger performance in him over the smaller obstacles and skipping Cheltenham could work in his favour.

Form: 2FF-151

Potters Charm⁴⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: N & W Twiston-Davies| OR: 154| C| D

18/1

Won his first 5 starts over hurdles last season, including a Grade 1 novice here (17f). Even better form this term, resuming winning ways in class 2 at Windsor before landing odds in Grade 2 at Fontwell. Bit to find with the principals here, though.

Form: 5-F3411

The New Lion³⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 160

9/4

Unbeaten in 4 starts as a novice and particularly impressive in Baring Bingham at Cheltenham. Put heavy comeback fall behind him when winning Grade 2 at Cheltenham. Ran up to best when third in Champion Hurdle after, shaping as if return to this longer distance will suit. Leading contender.

Form: 111-F13

Brighterdaysahead³⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-3| J: Jack Kennedy| T: G Elliott| OR: 159| CD

13/8

Very smart mare who got her career back on track in no uncertain terms this winter, taking advantage of a below-par Lossiemouth for a fourth Grade 1 success in the Irish Champion at Leopardstown. Beaten only by that rival in Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham since and big shout back up in trip.

Form: 143-212

Golden Ace³⁰

Age: 8| Weight: 11-3| J: Lorcan Williams| T: J Scott| OR: 150| D

11/1

Scaled new heights when landing Champion Hurdle a year ago, albeit a fortunate winner. Comeback win in Fighting Fifth was also aided by a couple of high-profile fallers and showed where she is in the pecking order when fifth in this year's Champion. Others likely more suited by this longer trip.

Form: 12-2125

Non-Runners

Lucky Place²⁹

Weight: 11-10| Age: 7

T: N J Henderson J: N de Boinville

Forecasts

Brighterdaysahead (13/8), The New Lion (9/4), El Fabiolo (4/1), Golden Ace (11/1), Alexei (12/1), Potters Charm (18/1), Lucky Place (33/1)

There wasn't much between BRIGHTERDAYSAHEAD and The New Lion when second and third in the Champion Hurdle last month, where both shaped as if a return to this longer distance will suit. Marginal preference is for Brighterdaysahead, who was an impressive winner of a Grade 1 over C&D as a novice. El Fabiolo probably has a bigger performance in him over hurdles and isn't taken lightly having skipped Cheltenham.