Adam Williams presents his prediction for the Aintree 2m4f William Hill Aintree Hurdle (Grade 1) (Class 1) (4yo+) horse racing event.
The New Lion has had three runs this season, recording one win, and remains one of the main contenders. He fell in the Fighting Fifth, bounced back to win the Unibet Hurdle at Cheltenham, and then finished third in the Champion Hurdle behind Lossiemouth.
El Fabiolo endured a difficult spell last season, falling here in the Melling Chase and again in the Champion Chase at Punchestown. This campaign, however, he has avoided mistakes and picked up two wins in minor hurdle races. In the Irish Champion Hurdle in February, he finished last.
Alexei has won two solid handicaps this season and justified favouritism in the Kingwell Hurdle (Grade 2). He went on to finish fourth in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, and it looks difficult for him to improve on that position here.
Potters Charm won last time out in the Spirit Hurdle (Grade 2) on heavy ground, having previously landed a handicap at Windsor. He finished fourth in the Long Walk Hurdle (Grade 1) over three miles, but this shorter trip should suit him better, and it would be no surprise to see him involved among the leaders.
Golden Ace was a surprise winner of the Fighting Fifth Hurdle after falls from Constitution Hill and The New Lion. She confirmed her class when finishing second behind Sir Gino in the Christmas Hurdle (Grade 1), and a fifth-place finish in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham was also a respectable effort given the strength of the field.
Lucky Place is still without a win this season. He was beaten by his sole rival in a Beginners’ Chase and later finished third in the Relkeel Hurdle (Grade 2) at Cheltenham, a race he had won the year before. That remains his standout performance of the campaign.
Brighterdaysahead has been the model of consistency this season. She beat Lossiemouth in the Irish Champion Hurdle and finished second to her twice — in the December Hurdle at Leopardstown and the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham. With Lossiemouth absent, she looks the one to side with.
