Will history repeat for Cue Card? David Davies / PA Images
David Davies / PA Images / PA Images
Three big talking points…
1. HISTORY ON THE cards? Last year in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Cue Card (11/8) fell third from home before coming to Aintree and romping to victory in the Betway Bowl Chase at 2.50pm.
He wasn’t going anywhere near as well this year — when he fell at the exact same fence — but it might not matter as this is a pale shadow of the quality of race it was last year, when Colin Tizzard’s chaser beat Don Poli and Djakadam.
The big danger is likely to be Empire of Dirt (11/4) who only managed a disappointing fourth in the Ryanair Chase at Prestbury Park while two-time Bowl winner Silviniaco Conti (8/1) will have his backers.
Aso, (20/1) third in the Ryanair, may well benefit from the longer distance here.
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Buveur D'air is the class of the field. Julian Herbert / PA Images
Julian Herbert / PA Images / PA Images
2. Buveur D’hurdles: After a short lived stint — just two races — over the larger fences, both of which Buveur D’air (4/11) won, Nicky Henderson’s six-year-old switched back to hurdles in February; a decision that proved worthwhile as he drove home to beat My Tent or Yours (10/1) in the Champion Hurdle last month.
There’s a serious lack of depth in the field this year with Identity Thief (8/1) and The New One (13/2) the only real challengers.
Indeed, the real danger to Buveur D’air could be the step up in trip for the first time. Still, his class should show as he adds the Aintree Hurdle (3.25pm) to his Cheltenham crown.
Defi Du Seuil on his way to Triumph Hurdle success. Mike Egerton / PA Images
Mike Egerton / PA Images / PA Images
3. No Defi-ing the odds: Arguably one of the finest horses in training at the moment, Defi Du Seuil (2/7) put in a flawless display on his way to winning the Triumph Hurdle in Cheltenham.
Ground versatile, Philip Hobbs’ four-year-old is unbeaten in his six races over timber — including four Grade 1s and a Grade 2 — so he really is the absolute class of the field.
However, it’s worth noting that it’s five years since a favourite has won the Juvenile Hurdle (2.20pm), and if Defi Du Seuil falters, Divin Bere (9/2) could be the one to take advantage, though FlyingTiger‘s odds (10/1) could tempt each-way backers.
NAP of the day…
After his second place in the JLT Novices’ Hurdle back in Cheltenham, many will be backing Top Notch (11/10) in the Manifesto Novices’ Chase at 1.45pm tomorrow. However, we’re much keener on Frodon (5/1) to take the opening race of the festival. He has six wins from eight since switching to fences this season
An each-way fancy…
Can Mendip Express place in the Foxhunters' again? Joe Giddens / PA Images
Joe Giddens / PA Images / PA Images
On The Fringe will almost certainly win the Foxhunters’ Chase at 4.05pm tomorrow, but Mendip Express (20/1) has great each-way value, finishing third in this race last year.
Accumulator…
€10 on On The Fringe, Buveur D’air, Defi Du Seuil and Frodon will return €302.44.
– First published 22.15, 5 April
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The42′s Winning Post: Everything you need to enjoy Day One of Aintree
Three big talking points…
1. HISTORY ON THE cards? Last year in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Cue Card (11/8) fell third from home before coming to Aintree and romping to victory in the Betway Bowl Chase at 2.50pm.
He wasn’t going anywhere near as well this year — when he fell at the exact same fence — but it might not matter as this is a pale shadow of the quality of race it was last year, when Colin Tizzard’s chaser beat Don Poli and Djakadam.
The big danger is likely to be Empire of Dirt (11/4) who only managed a disappointing fourth in the Ryanair Chase at Prestbury Park while two-time Bowl winner Silviniaco Conti (8/1) will have his backers.
Aso, (20/1) third in the Ryanair, may well benefit from the longer distance here.
2. Buveur D’hurdles: After a short lived stint — just two races — over the larger fences, both of which Buveur D’air (4/11) won, Nicky Henderson’s six-year-old switched back to hurdles in February; a decision that proved worthwhile as he drove home to beat My Tent or Yours (10/1) in the Champion Hurdle last month.
There’s a serious lack of depth in the field this year with Identity Thief (8/1) and The New One (13/2) the only real challengers.
Indeed, the real danger to Buveur D’air could be the step up in trip for the first time. Still, his class should show as he adds the Aintree Hurdle (3.25pm) to his Cheltenham crown.
3. No Defi-ing the odds: Arguably one of the finest horses in training at the moment, Defi Du Seuil (2/7) put in a flawless display on his way to winning the Triumph Hurdle in Cheltenham.
Ground versatile, Philip Hobbs’ four-year-old is unbeaten in his six races over timber — including four Grade 1s and a Grade 2 — so he really is the absolute class of the field.
However, it’s worth noting that it’s five years since a favourite has won the Juvenile Hurdle (2.20pm), and if Defi Du Seuil falters, Divin Bere (9/2) could be the one to take advantage, though Flying Tiger‘s odds (10/1) could tempt each-way backers.
NAP of the day…
An each-way fancy…
On The Fringe will almost certainly win the Foxhunters’ Chase at 4.05pm tomorrow, but Mendip Express (20/1) has great each-way value, finishing third in this race last year.
Accumulator…
€10 on On The Fringe, Buveur D’air, Defi Du Seuil and Frodon will return €302.44.
– First published 22.15, 5 April
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Aintree Aintree Day One Aintree Festival Aintree Festival 2017 Horse Racing Horseracing