Nicky Henderson: “I think we have really got her back to her best this season.”

Aintree

2:20 G1 Anniversary Juvenile Hurdle Impulsive One (Daryl Jacob) He was extremely impressive in Musselburgh’s big Listed Hurdle race in February and then ran slightly below par in the Adonis at Kempton after that, so we’ve freshened him up nicely and the plan has always been to come here because a flat course like this is what he likes. To be frank, he has achieved quite a lot over hurdles in a short space of time bearing in mind he was very busy on the flat for William Haggas, so he’ll definitely enjoy a nice break after this. Pied Piper is the obvious one, and Brazil beat an apparent Mullins hot pot at Cheltenham last time so it does very much look between the Irish but our horse is in good form, won’t mind the ground and will hopefully run well at decent each way odds with Unibet.

3:30 G1 Aintree Hurdle Epatante (Aidan Coleman) I was absolutely delighted with her second place in the Unibet Champion Hurdle last time and I must admit I think we have really got her back to her best this season. The plan was always to win the Fighting Fifth, which she sort of did, and then the Christmas Hurdle, where she was very impressive, and anything after that would be a bonus. I must admit, when Nico got off her at Cheltenham I asked the question straight away if she’d get two and a half miles and he was quick to say that she is all about speed so whether she sees out the trip here only time will tell, but there is no Grace One 2m hurdle race for experienced horses so we are sort of forced into stepping up in trip. She’s a relaxed horse in her races so Aidan should be able to switch her off and ride her to get the trip. If she is going to get it, it will be around here.

4:05 Foxhunters Chase Another Venture (Mr George Daly) He’s a lovely chaser owned by the Daly family for George, who is my pupil assistant, to ride, and in three runs for us he’s been placed every time. This is obviously a big step up but he’s very consistent and jumps really well so hopefully he can give George a nice spin round and they both come back safely.