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

4YO plus | Class 1 | 2m 4f | 7 Runners | Turf

Alexei^t³⁰

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

8/1

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

9/2

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

Lucky Place²⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: N de Boinville| T: N J Henderson| OR: 151| D

22/1

Dual Grade 2 hurdle winner last season. Didn't look a natural in 2 chase outings this term but got back on track reverted to this sphere last 2 starts. This is a tough ask, however.

Form: 74-3230

Potters Charm⁴⁶

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

10/1

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

15/8

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

2/1

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

14/1

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

Forecasts

The New Lion (7/4), Brighterdaysahead (2/1), El Fabiolo (5/1), Alexei (8/1), Golden Ace (12/1), Potters Charm (14/1), 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.