Key pointers and contender quotes on the National Spirit Hurdle

NetBet Casino National Spirit Hurdle | Grade 2 | 2m3f | 4yo+ | SSR

Harry Fry hopes his smart performer If The Cap Fits can show his class to boost his chances in the Betway Aintree Hurdle.

The seven-year-old won the Grade 2 Coral Hurdle at Ascot over 2m3½f in November before a third-place finish in the Christmas Hurdle.

Fry said: “The drying ground is a real positive and the step back up in trip will suit. He’s won over this distance at Ascot and I thought he ran well over two miles last time.

If The Cap Fits: winner at Ascot on his penultimate startCredit: Mark Cranham

"He carries a bit of a penalty for winning at Ascot, but we’re happy with him. He seems in good order at home, so we’re hoping for a really big run.”

Fry added of his possible Grade 1 target: “This race would be a nice stepping stone for the Aintree Hurdle, but he would need to run very well in this to warrant running there.”

Tizzards expect 'massive run' from Vision Des Flos

After falling on his chasing debut, the Colin Tizzard-trained Vision Des Flos has been switched back to hurdles for the rest of the season and connections are hopeful he can build on a number of solid efforts.

Joe Tizzard, son and assistant to trainer Colin, said: “I’m sure the extra half-mile will suit and we’re hoping for a massive run.

“He’s not quite good enough for a Champion Hurdle. This is competitive, but he’s capable of running well at this grade.”

Lil Rockerfeller out to continue fine race record

The Neil King-trained Lil Rockerfeller was a nine-length winner of this race in 2016 and finished second a year ago to Old Guard, who lines up again.

Lil Rockerfeller: winner of three novice chases this seasonCredit: Edward Whitaker (Racingpost.com/photos)

"We've got blinkers on which can sharpen him up and he's back down in trip. A lot of his good runs have been over these sort of trips and at tracks like Ascot, so let's hope he can run well."

What they say

Nigel Twiston-Davies, trainer of Ballymoy
He's in good form and it's a case of the softer the better. He's back down in trip and that won't do him any harm.

Gary Moore, trainer of Sussex Ranger
It looks a tough ask. He does like it around Fontwell but he won't like the horses he's running against.

Tony Carroll, trainer of Vive Le Roi
He's had a wonderful season and now we need to see where to go next. He's back down in trip but a lot of these are in the same boat. He needs to perform well, but if he does we might go to Cheltenham.

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