Can Three Stripe Life take advantage of a golden Grade 1 opportunity?

Saturday: 2.25 AintreeBetway Mersey Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1) | 4yo+ | 2m4f | ITV/RTV

There were plenty who thought Sir Gerhard would have been better suited to running in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle rather than the Ballymore at Cheltenham last month, but Willie Mullins got it right again and Sir Gerhard had no trouble with the longer trip in the day two opener.

That was probably the difference between a win and a defeat at the festival for Sir Gerhard, given Constitution Hill was so impressive in the Supreme, but if there was one set of connections who did not want Sir Gerhard in the Ballymore it was those of Three Stripe Life.

It is possible to argue Three Stripe Life has been the unluckiest novice in training this season. He should probably have won a Grade 1 at Leopardstown over Christmas, but a mistake at the second last stopped him in his tracks and he had to settle for second behind Mighty Potter.

He did not have to worry about that pesky second last on his next start at Leopardstown’s Dublin Racing Festival because it was omitted, but he made a mess of the last one on that occasion and could not get anywhere near Sir Gerhard, who had far too much speed late on.

Three Stripe Life would have won the Ballymore had Sir Gerhard not made the late switch from the Supreme at Cheltenham, but his presence made it another second for Three Stripe Life. This time there is no Sir Gerhard and this is a golden opportunity for Grade 1 success.

His main rivals are untested in Grade 1s, but they are unexposed and Walking On Air is the biggest danger from the Nicky Henderson yard that saddled Constitution Hill in the Supreme.

Walking On Air did not beat much at Newbury last time, but he did it by a wide margin on the bridle over a trip (2m½f) that should be well short of his best. His dam, Refinement, won the Grade 1 over 3m at the Punchestown Festival in 2007. Walking On Air will not win on form, but on pedigree and potential he might have it in the locker if he improves for the longer trip.
Race analysis by Graeme Rodway

Fowler hoping the small margins can result in a big victory

Al Pacino knows, as does Lorna Fowler, that life - and horse racing - is a game of inches. Every inch is important when you are competing at the highest level which is why Fowler, searching for the small margins that can make the difference between winning and losing, is fitting her stable star Colonel Mustard with a hood for the first time in this Grade 1.

The inches Colonel Mustard needs are in the early stages of the race and, provided he can settle better and race more efficiently in the headgear, Fowler believes her ultra-consistent seven-year-old can play a leading role.

"He has been in great form this season and has matured an awful lot,” Fowler said. "I have been very keen to try him at this trip - I think he will stay."

She added: "We are putting a hood on him and, while he's not stupid or keen in the early parts of a race, he could race a bit more efficiently so it will be interesting to see if the hood works.

"I don't think it will do him any harm. Your margins are so tiny at this level so, if it helps him in the early parts of the race, hopefully it will leave him with a big chance."

And what if Colonel Mustard delivered a breakthrough Grade 1 success for the trainer? Well, that would be something right out of the movies.

Fowler said: "Everyone dreams of bringing a string of horses to a meeting like Aintree but, when you get here, of course you want to win. It would be phenomenal if it happens."

What they say

Harry Fry, trainer of Might I
He's in good form and we're hoping he'll improve for the step up in trip. As half-brother to the National Hunt Chase winner [Stattler] he's bred to do so.

Paul Nicholls, trainer of Stage Star
He got a bit wound up with the whole occasion at Cheltenham so he runs in a hood. Better ground on a flat track should be just the job for him.

Stage Star: trainer Paul Nicholls is hoping for an improvement from CheltenhamCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Three Stripe Life
We’re looking forward to running him. He's been placed in three Grade 1s and, looking at this race and his rating, you'd have to say he sets the standard.

Nicky Henderson, trainer of Walking On Air
I like him. He could be anything - we've got a long way to go. It's a big step up for him but he's ready for it. He's only a big baby and he wasn't ready for Cheltenham, but he's a lovely horse and we'll give it a go.

Dan Skelton, trainer of Elle Est Belle
We missed Cheltenham deliberately and that can only be a positive. The step up to two and a half miles worked last time and she's improved again. The track is perfect for her, she gets the seven pound mares' allowance and I think she's a player.
Reporting by Brian Sheerin

Saturday's Aintree previews:

3.00 Aintree: 'Nothing's given me any concern' – Edwardstone in line to join star-studded list

3.35 Aintree: can Flooring Porter follow in footsteps of the greats and complete the double?

4.15 Aintree: it's time to find out if Shan Blue is the best-handicapped chaser in Britain

5.15 Aintree: 'She's entitled to be the price she is' – Coleman excited by Snow Leopardess

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