Four to follow: Richard Birch with the runners to keep an eye on at Aintree

There is a lot more to Aintree's Saturday card than Unowhatimeanharry and his return in the conditions hurdle, and Richard Birch picks out four to keep a particularly close eye on . . .

Delire D’Estruval
Novice hurdle (12.30)

There's a fascinating opener in store, in which runners from the Paul Nicholls and Dan Skelton stables, The Dellercheckout and Hear No Evil, are likely to be of most interest to racegoers.

However, it would be wrong to dismiss Ben Pauling’s newcomer Delire D’Estruval without careful thought.

The four-year-old recruit from France has shown plenty at home and Pauling is optimistic of a good run.

“He’s a lovely horse,” Pauling said. “He’s got plenty of guts and loves his job. I know it’s a competitive race but we’d like him to run well.

“He’s a nice type and is ready to make his debut.”

Novice chase (1.05)

There may be only four runners in the 3m novice chase but it’s an interesting affair, and includes Nicholls’ Coastal Tiep, who won nicely at Exeter last time.

Captain Chaos, although yet to win in four starts over fences, clearly has a deal of ability, while Clondaw Cian is a 135-rated hurdler with the scope to excel at this new discipline.

The real eyecatcher though is the Rebecca Curtis-trained Geordie Des Champs, rated 140 over hurdles and in receipt of 5lb from Coastal Tiep here.

A winner at Aintree and Chepstow last winter over hurdles, Geordie Des Champs was last seen finishing down the field in a valuable Punchestown event behind Open Eagle.

He looks just the type to do really well over fences.

Voix D’Eau
2m3f handicap chase (2.15)

Impressive Market Rasen winner Ballybolley heads a 12-strong field, which also includes course winner Virgilio, an eight-year-old who could improve further this campaign.

One who could outrun his odds, though, is the Harry Fry-trained Voix D’Eau, noted running a blinder behind the Nicholls-trained handicap ‘good thing’ Romain De Senam at Stratford last month.

A three-time winner in Britain at around this trip, Voix D’Eau pleased his trainer with that latest performance and goes to Aintree in good shape.

“He was back to form at Stratford,” said Fry. “He’s probably in the grip of the handicapper, so we’re taking 5lb off his back. Hopefully he’ll be competitive.”

Duke Of Navan
2m handicap chase (3.25)

Something of a forgotten horse after being so lightly raced in recent years, it’s worth remembering Duke Of Navan really looked to be going places when landing a Listed chase at Ayr in April 2015.

He showed the ability was intact when finishing second to Pain Au Chocolat at Perth in the spring, and trainer Nicky Richards is looking forward to get him back on track.

“He enjoyed a good summer and has come back well,” he said. “He’s in grand fettle.

"I was hoping to run him at Ayr last week, but this looks an ideal starting point. I’m looking forward to seeing him run.”

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