Neil Morrice previews the Betway Aintree Hurdle (Grade 1) – the fourth race on Day 1 of the Randox Health Grand National racing festival at Aintree. Get his preview and predicted finish for the race below, and get your bets on with Hollywoodbets.
Betway Aintree Hurdle (Grade 1)
16:25 – Race 4 – 2M 4F
Nicky Henderson and Willie Mullins dominate this by saddling a combined total of five of the nine-strong field. BUVEUR D’AIR steps up to two and a half miles after his mid race fall in the Champion Hurdle from which he came away unscathed, and delighted Barry Geraghty in some schooling last weekend.
Henderson also calls on BRAIN POWER who has it in him to serve it up to the best of them when the mood takes him, but is inconsistent. He could never get competetive in the Champion in which he was pulled up. Stablemate VERDANA BLUE performed well considering she encountered unfavourably soft ground in that race. She has a very good finishing burst but connections are keeping all fingers crossed that no further rain falls.
MELON was left standing by Espoir D’Allen at the end of the Champion Hurdle and the form has a suspect look to it, as former handicapper SILVER STREAK stayed on into third.
FAUGHEEN and SUPASUNDAE clashed in the Stayers’ Hurdle with veteran Faugheen finishing a creditable third to Paisley Park while Supasundae looked as if he didn’t get the three miles.
SUMMERVILLE BOY is an interesting addition following a three and a half month break as he was found to be wrong after flopping in the International Hurdle at Cheltenham, won by Brain Power. CH’TIBELLO landed a huge gamble in the County Hurdle but needs to prove he is up to this standard.
This fascinating contest brings together horses that have competed largely at distances shorter or in excess of the two and a half miles. The one I like is BUVEUR D’AIR, who is arguably unlucky not to be unbeaten this season and is a class act.
Predicted Finish
2 – 9 – 8 – 1 – 6
1st – BUVEUR D’AIR (2)
2nd – Verdana Blue (9)
3rd – Supasundae (8)
4th – Brain Power (1)
5th – Silver Streak (6)
Bet on the Aintree Hurdle now with Hollywoodbets by clicking here!
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