Key questions as unbeaten Emitom enters Grade 1 company in the Sefton

4.40 Aintree
Doom Bar Sefton Novices' Hurdle | Grade 1 | 4yo+ | 3m½f | ITV/RTV

Can Emitom extend his unbeaten run?

Warren Greatrex has never shied away from eulogising about the ability of Emitom and the Sefton Novices' Hurdle marks a big occasion in the promising young career of the unbeaten five-year-old.

Winner of two bumpers and three novice hurdles, including a gutsy win at Newbury last month when carrying a double penalty, Emitom takes a step into the unknown when entering Grade 1 company for the first time at Aintree.

Greatrex said: "He’s come out of Newbury very well, it was his biggest test yet and he gave a double penalty away to some good horses. He had to dig in a bit but he got the job done and that’s probably manned him up a bit.

"He seems very well at home, he did a great bit of work at the end of last week and schooled well yesterday. The step up in trip won’t be a problem as he stays very well. It’s another step up but he’s going the right way."

The Mersey Novices' Hurdle was considered as a destination for Emitom on the final day of the Grand National meeting, but the Lambourn-based trainer has opted for a first crack at the longer trip of the Sefton.

He added: “I felt around here I didn’t want to get him on his head early. He’s always finished his races strongly. If they get rain and it gets a bit softer that won’t be a problem either.

“He’s five from five, has done everything I’ve asked up until now and seems to have a lot of potential. He’s not the finished article yet but he’s going the right way. He’s very exciting.”

Will Champ get back to winning ways?

Challow Hurdle winner Champ performed admirably to finish second behind City Island in the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham and bids to regain the winning thread for Nicky Henderson, who won this often gruelling Grade 1 with Santini last year.

Like Emitom, Champ was considered for the Mersey Novices' Hurdle, but connections have elected to send the seven-year-old up in trip following his festival defeat.

Champ (right): won the Challow Hurdle in DecemberCredit: Edward Whitaker

Henderson, who also runs Downtown Getaway, said: "Champ's had a good year and ran a great race at Cheltenham. He's in good form, the step up to three miles should suit him and this was the obvious race to go for.

"Downtown Getaway was balloted out at Cheltenham. He won well at Ascot, the step up to this trip should suit and the rain will aid his cause," he added.

Key Fact

Of the 19 winners of this race this century, 13 skipped the Cheltenham Festival. All six who did run competed in the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle, including four of the last seven.

What they say

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Dallas Des Pictons
He was unlucky to come up against a good one at Cheltenham last time but he came out of the race well and we're very happy with him.

John McConnell, trainer of Go Another One
It looks very competitive and he has a bit to do on official ratings. We're hoping the step up in trip might improve him but we're hopeful rather than confident about his chance.

Nigel Twiston-Davies, trainer of Kingsplace
He's a nice horse with good form but he'll probably be outclassed. If it does get soft, that'll suit him and he should run a good race.

Rebecca Curtis, trainer of Lisnagar Oscar
He ran really well in the Albert Bartlett, it wasn't ideal that he ended towards the back turning in and had quite a bit to do in the end but I was happy enough with him. The flat track should suit him and we're hopeful of a big run.

Ben Pauling, trainer of The Captains Inn
I think he'll run in the Sefton but if the ground went really soft I might rethink and look at the two and a half mile race. He’ll stay every yard of the trip. The form from his last race is very good giving 6lb to a horse who Emitom beat nine lengths, so off level weights you would say the form is there.

Henry de Bromhead, trainer of Walk Away
He's travelled over well and while this is a step up in class and trip after only one run over hurdles, he did win his maiden nicely at Thurles and we're going to learn more about him this time.

Spotlight verdict

Champ has leading claims on his 2m4f-2m5f form but he's not certain to relish this longer trip, especially with the ground having softened. Dallas Des Pictons is interesting back over 3m, given that he's 1-1 at this distance, while the unbeaten Emitom also has to be feared. A few others are unexposed types who look intriguing upped in class and, in an open contest, the suggestion is Downtown Getaway at decent odds. He looks to be crying out for this trip and it will be disappointing if he can't progress further.

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