Henderson stars Apple's Shakira and We Have A Dream clash in juvenile Grade 1

Nicky Henderson-trained stablemates Apple's Shakira and We Have A Dream will go head to head at Aintree on Thursday after they featured among ten declarations for the Grade 1 Doom Bar Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle (2.20).

Apple's Shakira was a red-hot favourite for the JCB Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival but could finish only fourth to Farclas in a contest dominated by Irish-trained runners. Having raced keenly at Cheltenham, she will be fitted with a hood for the first time.

We Have A Dream was forced to miss the Triumph after a last-gasp setback but had been a leading fancy for the race on the strength of four wins from as many starts for Henderson, including the Grade 1 Coral Future Champions Finale Juvenile Hurdle.

The three-day Grand National meeting kicks off with the Grade 1 Big Buck's Celebration Manifesto Novices' Chase (1.45), in which six horses have been declared, including Henderson's Racing Post Arkle runner-up Brain Power.

The Paul Nicholls-trained Cyrname, who arrives fresh after missing Cheltenham, is likely to be prominent in the market, while Finian's Oscar, Modus, Rene's Girl and Calino D'Airy also take their chance.

Declarations for the other two Grade 1s on the card, the Betway Bowl (2.50) and the Betway Aintree Hurdle, were made on Tuesday. Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup runner-up Might Bite faces seven in the Bowl, while Sun Bets Stayers' Hurdle second Supasundae heads nine in the Aintree Hurdle.

The first race of the meeting to take place over the National fences is the Randox Health Foxhunters' (4.05), in which 22 horses have been declared for the amateur rider contest.

Last year's runner-up Balnaslow is again the mount of Derek O'Connor, while Colin Tizzard has booked leading Irish amateur Jamie Codd for his Grand Vision.

Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase runner-up Min was one of six declared for Friday's feature contest, the JLT Melling Chase.

The Willie Mullins-trained Min will be opposed by Ryanair Chase hero Balko Des Flos, Politologue, Cloudy Dream, Le Prezien and Sizing Granite.

Aintree card

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