Timeform Aintree Race Preview: The Liverpool Hurdle

General / Timeform / 01 April 2009 / Leave a Comment

The Liverpool Hurdle kicks off an enthralling three days' of racing at Aintree and Timeform have their ideas about which runners you should back and which are better left alone.

Formally run at Ascot, this race moved to Aintree in 2004, and the first running saw Iris's Gift follow-up his win in the Stayers' (now World) Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. The last three winners of this race had all reached the frame at Cheltenham on their previous start and favourite Big Buck's looks to have obvious claims of emulating the popular grey.

Big Buck's came to these shores with a huge reputation and it's now absolutely clear why, his win in what looked an excellent renewal of the World Hurdle was his sixth from nine completed starts for present connections, whose decision to revert him to the smaller obstacles this season has proved a masterstroke. With none of the next three behind him at Cheltenham re-opposing here he should take all the beating.

Of the four who do take on Big Buck's again, Mighty Man, Fair Along (tongue tied for first time here), No Refuge, and Pettifour, it's the first-named who is of the most interest.

The winner of the Liverpool Hurdle in 2006 and 2007, Mighty Man had been sidelined for nearly two years since breaking down badly at Punchestown, just a fortnight on from his impressive second success in this. His fifth to Big Buck's three weeks ago, therefore, was a hugely encouraging effort, looking beforehand as if the run would put him spot on, he kept on steadily after racing in touch for most of the way. While his unbeaten record at Aintree would seem to be in jeopardy, he's far from a forlorn hope for a place.

Although Duc De Regniere hasn't quite gone on as expected over hurdles, it's interesting that connections have kept him fresh for Aintree, and his fine turn of foot should count for plenty on this track. He had quite a few of his rivals here behind when second to Punchestowns in the Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot in December, and though he was a bit disappointing behind Kasbah Bliss in the Rendlesham at Haydock next time (an enterprisingly-ridden Hills Of Aran second), it wouldn't be a surprise were he to return to form for his red-hot yard.

There's likely to be no shortage of pace with several confirmed front runners in the field. Hills Of Aran is in the form of his life at present and gained just reward for a string of good efforts when making all in a valuable handicap at Fontwell last week. Though he can't be dismissed entirely in his current mood, there's always a chance this tougher race will come too quickly. One who could be starting to feel the effects of a gruelling campaign is Lough Derg. The remarkably tough nine-year-old has won three times this season, but put up an uncharacteristic performance in the Coral Cup last time.