Alaivan: looks the one to beat in Friday's JCB Triumph Hurdle
PICTURE: Caroline NorrisAlaivan heads 29 for Triumph Hurdle
ALAIVAN, a general 4-1 favourite for the JCB Triumph Hurdle, tops a field of 29 at Saturday's six-day declaration stage.
The Edward O’Grady-trained Irish raider, a Listed winner on the Flat, was joined by all the other market principles, including John Smith’s Scottish Triumph Hurdle winner Carlito Brigante and the Willie Mullins-trained raider Secant Star.
Champion Trainer Paul Nicholls has a sole representative in Advisor, while David Pipe is two-handed with Hunterview and the highly touted Notus De La Tour, a general 14-1 chance.
NickyHenderson, who took the race with Zaynar last year, retains one entry in the race with Soldatino, a general 9-1 fourth favourite.
It was a similar story in the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle, where the David Richards-trained Silver Kate, as short as 12-1 before Tuesday, was the sole high profile defection.
Warm-favourite Tell Massini is among the 36 declared for the staying hurdle contest and is joined by fellow-acceptors Restless Harry, Enterprise Park, Shinrock Paddy and Quel Espirit.
Cappa Bleu, winner at the Festival last year, will run in the Albert Bartlett instead of his alternative entry in the William Hill Trophy Chase.
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