Henderson turns to hood to help Apple's Shakira on retrieval mission

2.20 AintreeDoom Bar Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle | (Grade 1) | 2m1f | ITV/RUK

This is not a race that has been kind to Nicky Henderson. Binocular provided the trainer with his sole success in 2008, while he has had to face up to several disappointments that included Hargam's fifth-placed finish in 2015 as the 4-6 favourite.

But the champion trainer holds the aces in We Have A Dream, who is unbeaten over hurdles in Britain, and the hooded Apple's Shakira, who is on a retrieval mission after being a beaten favourite in the Triumph at Cheltenham last month.

What's the strongest form?

This should be an easy question to answer with the Triumph Hurdle being a Grade 1 and the Fred Winter only holding Grade 3 status. However this race's history shows nothing should be taken for granted about the relative merits of the two Cheltenham races.

Triumph winner Defi Du Seuil stamped his Grade 1 seal on the race last year, with Fred Winter first and second Flying Tiger and Divin Bear chasing him home in reverse order.

The 2015 running of this race mirrors this year's contest with beaten contestants from both races. That year saw Fred Winter form come out on top as All Yours, fifth at Cheltenham, beating fourth-home in the Triumph, Devilment.

This year the two races are represented by Henderson's Apple's Shakira, who was fourth to an Irish 1-2-3 when the hot favourite for the Triumph.

Her trainer said: "She ran much too keen in the Triumph and wears a hood on this occasion. I'm sure she'll settle better."

The Fred Winter third and fourth Nube Negra and Padleyourowncanoe are looking to upstage the JP McManus-owned filly.

Nube Negra's trainer Dan Skelton said: "He came out of Cheltenham well and was just caught by a couple of speedier horses. The track will suit him and hopefully there's no more rain."

Padleyourowncanoe: has a bit to find at the weights, according to trainer Colin TizzardCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Colin Tizzard is under no illusion that Padleyourowncanoe has a bit to find at the weights, now 3lb worse off with Nube Negra.

"He ran very well in the Fred Winter and was staying on. These four-year-old races can be unpredictable," said the trainer.

Will it pay to have missed Cheltenham?

We Have A Dream was the ante-post second favourite and all set to run in the Triumph, but a temperature ruled him out.

Could that be a blessing in disguise? Anthony Bromley, racing manager to his owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, certainly hopes so.

We Have A Dream (left): last seen beating Sussex Ranger in Grade 1 companyCredit: Alan Crowhurst

"We're hopeful that missing Cheltenham is a plus for him. Daryl Jacob was given the choice of rides and, with We Have A Dream unbeaten in England, he had to be first string.

Bromley added about the owners' other runner, and French challenger, Beau Gosse: "The owners are really pleased James Reveley is coming over to ride Beau Gosse rather than go to Auteuil.

"Beau Gosse was caught out by the speed of the Kempton race on good ground. Guillaume Macaire was keen to bring him back as there is nothing for him in France – he's not a heavy-ground horse.

"The longer straight at Aintree will help him as he's a big horse with a long stride and he'll run a nice race."

What the rest say

Gary Moore, trainer of Et Moi Alors
He's a horse I like a lot and I think he's a very good horse. He's probably not experienced enough but he's a nice horse for the future.

Philip Hobbs, trainer of Gumball
We could've done with some better ground for him but he'll take his chance.

Henry de Bromhead, trainer of Les Arceaux
He was a bit disappointing last time after running second on his first two starts over hurdles. He's stepping up in class and we're going to learn more about him with a view to next season.

Tom Mullins, trainer of Cristal Icon
She seems very well and we're hoping for a good run. She won very easily at Cork last time but this will be a lot more competitive.