Aintree 2014 Stayers' Hurdle

2.50 Aintree

Silver Cross Stayers' Hurdle (Registered As The Liverpool Hurdle) (Grade 1) (Class 1)  (4YO plus)

Winner £67,524 - 7 run

Advice: 1 pt win Zarkandar (7/2 Bet365, Hills, Bet Victor)

At Fishers Cross: Clear cut winner of the staying novice here last year when doing the Cheltenham/Aintree double and defying ground doubts here; Has had his problems this season however, with unusually poor jumping being a problem; Hinted he was back to best in Cleeve and then third in what looked a really strong renewal of the World Hurdle; Fine chance today if in that form.

Melodic Rendezvous: Known as a crack 2 miler who revers in heavy ground, as he showed when landing pair of Grade 2 prizes, edging out Zarkandar in Kingwell Hurdle; Couldn’t go the pace in Champion but step up in trip today interesting, possibly long overdue, and likely to help his chances; Ground not an issue today and one to be taken seriously.

Slaubrious: Second to World Hurdle winner More of That but well beaten in actual event and not backed up Cheltenham run here in the past; Needs more than he’s showed this season here and looks exposed now.

The Knoks: Likes a good staying test as we all know but first win for two years would be a tremendous shock.

Thousand Stars: has been a fantastic servant down the years and good middle distance hurdler, third in last year’s Aintree Hurdle, but now showing some of his age and others have more to give it would seem; At very best over 2m4f.

 Whisper: Has shown a likeable attitude all year, involved in tremendously strong Cheltenham handicap earlier in year before solid efforts at Sandown (third), Newbury (won very well), and Ffos Las (second in Welsh Champion); Just held out for Coral Cup win latest; Upped in class here and still something to prove but going the right way 

Zarkandar: Got the better of The New One in Aintree Hurdle here last season before coming off worse in clashes with that one and Annie Power twice this year; Beaten by Melodic Rendezvous in warm-up for this when tying up late in the ground at Wincanton before clear fourth in the World Hurdle, where he was giving a lot of ground to make up with stamina in mind off steady pace; Possible to expect better today from him kept in closer order.

VERDICT: Usually a World Hurdle rematch but the presence of Melodic Rendezvous and Whisper adds extra edge. The former is a potentially huge improve for long overdue a step up to this trip and can play his hand today, while World Hurdle third At Fishers Cross is an obvious favourite, but today may be ZARKANDAR’S day for the second time at this meeting. Held up in the World Hurdle, he was at a disadvantage when the pack quickened but should closer today and can reverse that form.