Murphy hoping Itchy Feet can move fastest in Top Novices' after Supreme effort

2.20 AintreeBetway Top Novices' Hurdle | Grade 1 | 2m½f | ITV/RTV

Will a Cheltenham loser come good again here?

It may be the Top Novices by name but it has been second or third top in practice of late.

No Supreme Novices' Hurdle winner has taken this race since 1984 and only three have even tried in the intervening 34 years.

Yet four of the last 12 horses to land this prize had been placed at Cheltenham and the Olly Murphy-trained Itchy Feet bids to continue the trend this year.

It could be a big day for Olly MurphyCredit: Edward Whitaker

He was a 25-1 shot for the Supreme but ran a blinder to finish third behind Klassical Dream, beaten just half a length by stablemate Thomas Darby in second.

"There was no fluke about that run as his form has been strong all season," said Murphy. "It was a great run, and although he had a hard race he didn't have a hard winter. The fast-run two miles around Aintree should suit him and the nice ground will help as well."

Itchy Feet was reported as having broken blood vessels at Aintree, but Murphy added: "We scoped him straight after the race and there was no blood in his lungs. It was just a sign of a horse who had tried hard and he has certainly shown no ill effects since then."

Can anyone stop Nicky Henderson?

Nicky Henderson dominates most Grade 1 2m hurdles nowadays and this is no exception – the champion trainer has won it five times since 2010.

He attempts to make it six with Precious Cargo, who is upped in class after ready wins at Kempton and Sandown but is described as "a bit of a bruiser of a horse" by his trainer, so ought to be able to look after himself.

Precious Cargo is seeking to build on an encouraging Sandown successCredit: Mark Cranham

Henderson said: "He has been very good on both starts and is a nice horse. His two wins have warranted stepping up to this company."

Key statistic: Nicky Henderson has won this race five times since 2010

Can Ireland gain an overdue third success?

Irish hurdlers have had little luck in this race, with only two coming out on top in its 43-year history and none successful since Joe Mac in 1999.

But that doesn’t mean you can safely ignore the Willie Mullins-trained Aramon, a proven Grade 1 winner who ran Klassical Dream to a head at Leopardstown in February and may have found the ground too soft when only sixth at Cheltenham.

Aramon is chasing his second Grade 1 win of the seasonCredit: Caroline Norris (racingpost.com/photos)

Gordon Elliott also has claims with Felix Desjy, who was a place in front in fifth in the Supreme.

Mullins said: "The soft ground told against him in the Supreme and, on drier ground, we're expecting a much better performance this time."

Asked about Felix Desjy, Elliott said: "He ran quite well in the Supreme at Cheltenham and we think the flatter track will suit him better."

What they say

Harry Whittington, trainer of Rouge Vif
It's been the plan all season to miss Cheltenham and come here. He'll be well suited by the flat track, he won a Grade 2 last time out and he's in great form. I couldn't be happier with him.

Dan Skelton, trainer of Sofia's Rock
I would give him a chance. He's a strong traveller who jumps well. He basically had a canter around Ludlow the other day and is in good form for a race at a track that should be perfect for him on ground that will be ideal. He's taking a massive step up in grade but appears ready for it.

Paul Nicholls, trainer of Southfield Stone
He won the Dovecote and keeps on improving. He didn't go to Cheltenham, which will probably be a plus, and he's got a chance.

Harry Fry, trainer of Winston C
He did really well to get up at Kelso last time and if Sean Bowen gets the same result and doesn't leave it quite as late we'll be happy. He's going up in class and we'll see how he gets on.

Spotlight verdict

Up-and-coming trainer Olly Murphy looks to have every chance of bagging a first Grade 1 success, given that his Itchy Feet ran very well in the Supreme despite circumstances not being ideal. Two other Supreme runners also turn up, with Aramon feared more than Felix Desjy. The promising Precious Cargo has to be respected, while Dovecote winner Southfield Stone has the 'fresh' angle having been rested for almost six weeks.

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