William Hill Aintree Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

Capped last year's campaign with exceptional performance in Supreme at Cheltenham Festival and has looked imperious in a trio of victories this term, taking Champion Hurdle without being asked a serious question last month. Looks sure to stay longer trip and can't be opposed.

Smart novice hurdler last term who has took his form up another notch this season, landing Greatwood at Cheltenham on return to action and Kingwell at Wincanton in February. Finished well beaten in Champion since, though, and has plenty on his plate again here.

Very smart hurdler/chaser who landed the odds at Kempton in a listed hurdle on his reappearance and has aquitted himself well in defeat since. However, this trip will stretch his stamina and others are preferred for places. Cheekpieces on for first time.

Smashing 10-y-o who has twice finished runner-up in Champion Hurdle and, whilst he may not be quite the force of old, he's acquitted himself well in all 4 starts this term. latest when fourth of 24 in County Hurdle at Cheltenham last month. This longer trip not guranteed to suit, though.

Very smart hurdler who would likely have finished runner-up (fell at last) in this contest 12 months ago and ran right up to his best when 13 lengths third of 7 to Constitution Hill in Champion at Cheltenham latest. Return to longer trip a plus and should run well again.

Classy mare who ran with credit behind stablemate Constitution Hill in Fighting Fifth and Christmas Hurdle this term before easily landing the odds in Doncaster Grade 2. Rare below-par effort in Mares' Hurdle last month but was a ready winner of this event last year and can bounce back to form.