2.00 Aintree
BGC Partners Liverpool Hurdle (Grade 1) (Class 1) (4YO plus)
Winner £57,010
Pick: Big Buck’s (win)
Big Buck’s: Unbeaten on all ten starts since switching back
to hurdles, having won this race twice and taken just about every single major
staying hurdle inbetween; Made easy work of beating inferior rivals in the Long
Walk Hurdle but absolutely superb in World Hurdle, where he found enough to
beat Grands Crus after the last; Should do so again here.
Calrito Brigante: Has continued steady progression he showed
as a 4 year old from last season by winning valuable Haydock event and then
making light work of a mark of 142 when left clear at last; This big step up in
grade but has always looked as if trip would suit, and with ground come right
for him, no surprise to see massive show.
Grands Crus: Has improved hand over first for the step up in
trip this season, bolting up in two good handicaps, the first here and the
second at Haydock; Put in one of most impressive performances of season when
routing the Cleeve Hurdle field, scooting 15 lengths clear between last two
flights without rider having to ask any serious questions that day; Unable to
stop Big Buck’s at Cheltenham but will give it his best and cut in ground suits
his cause.
Gwanako: Ran only four times last season, but showed promise
on all of those runs, making good headway coming to the business end of the
Byrne Group Plate; was still in contention for minor honours when falling two
out behind Edgbriar over C&D earlier this season and made good comeback
over hurdles before finding the Cleeve too much; Poor run in Pertemps and makes
no appeal.
Karabak: Progressed well as a novice, and Got three miles
really well when running great race to
finish second to Big Buck’s in Long Walk hurdle and also to finish fourth in
World Hurdle, so disappointing that he bombed at Punchestown afterwards; Well
beaten behind Silviniaco Conti in Ascot Hurdle but back to best in Reelkeel Hurdle;
Not won since and well behind top two on form.
Khyber Kim: Proved an absolute revelation last year with
wins in the Greatwood and Bula Hurdle before an excellent second in this last
year, topped off with a win in the Aintree Hurdle here; Disappointed on two
runs since and his well being and stamina to prove but top notcher at best; Can
alt it up with best of them if all’s well.
Knockara Beau: Has failed to recreate form of last year so
far but impressed majorly when second to Grands Crus and when winning qualifier;
Gallant fourth in Pertemps but this much harder.
Markington: Been running shockers on three of his last four
hurdles starts, and last win was in a handicap off 116; No realistic chance.
Possol: Has been aimed at Grand National but so talented
over hurdles (came close third to Big Bucks in last year’s renewal after fifth
in Albert Bartlett Novice’s Hurdle) that he bypassed that target last season;
Only had one run since, and that run poor so passed over.
Sentury Duty: Patchy
hurdles strike rate (won 4 from 10) but very classy and good enough when the
cards fall right; Comes here fresh but this looks too good for him today.
Won In The Dark: Grade 1 winner who performed with credit
last season(won twice) and was fourth in Aintree Hurdle; Has a lot to do if he’s
going to make frame here, as he’s gone backwards in the interim.
VERDICT: A real treat to open the National meeting. The
softer ground may well help Grands Crus get closer to BIG BUCKS, but the World
Hurdle winner looks the superior horse and has outstanding prospects of completing
a second hat – trick in a month. Carlito Brigante is given respect as he’s
stepped up in class, while Khyber Kim is as talented as anything if his well-being
and stamina can be taken on trust.
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