Trainer insight as Nicky Henderson bids to boost record in Merseyrail Handicap

1.45 Aintree
Merseyrail Handicap Hurdle | Grade 3 | 2m4f | 4yo+ | ITV/RTV

Nicky Henderson has won three of the last five runnings of the Merseyrail Handicap Hurdle and perhaps it is significant he relies solely on yard debutant Kobrouk, who makes his first start for the trainer after leaving Guillaume Macaire.

Last month's Cheltenham handicap form comes under the microscope with just half a length separating the reopposing Coral Cup fourth and fifth Brio Conti and Irish raider Canardier.

Dan Skelton is a maestro in competitive handicap hurdles and his two-pronged challenge consists of last year's County Hurdle hero Mohaayed and Knight In Dubai, who is the choice of Harry Skelton.

Two five-year-olds have crept in towards the bottom of the weights with the promising Evan Williams-trained Esprit Du Large and progressive Jonjo O'Neill-trained Tedham catching the eye.

What they say

Dan Skelton, trainer of Mohaayed and Knight In Dubai
I think Mohaayed is ready for the step up in trip but he has lots of weight. That's a bit of a concern but he's super consistent, especially in the spring. We rode Knight In Dubai too handy at Cheltenham and he faded up the hill. We'll take our time a bit more here.

Paul Nicholls, trainer of Brio Conti and Mont Des Avaloirs
Brio Conti ran well at Cheltenham and was just a bit keen so wants dropping in. Two and a half miles on a flat track will suit him well. The track will also suit Mont Des Avaloirs, who we've kept fresh for this.

Nicky Henderson, trainer of Kobrouk
He's had a very long layoff and is quite highly rated so this is a starting point for him. He'll probably go back over fences in time and possibly run in France.

Dermot McLoughlin, trainer of Canardier
He ran a good race at Cheltenham last time and we think the drier ground will suit him better. He's in good form.

Philip Hobbs, trainer of Sternrubin and Wait For Me
Sternrubin probably needs a bit further as he gets older so the step up in trip will be fine. Wait For Me seems in good form and probably wasn't ideally suited by three miles last time, so the drop in trip should help.

Donald McCain, trainer of Mount Mews
We hope he jumps off after refusing last time – the standing start didn't help then and if he can actually go with the field he should go well.

Tim Vaughan, trainer of Point Of Principle and Landsman
Point Of Principle's second in the Silver Trophy three starts ago looks really good form but he was a bit below par last time and I couldn't quite put my finger on it. He's fresh and happy with himself again now it seems. Landsman hosed up at Musselburgh before dropping down in trip. Alan Johns thinks he's much better over two and a half miles and we're happy with his mark.

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Three Musketeers
He won over hurdles and fences for Dan Skelton and is having his first run for us. We're going to learn more about him and we're just hoping he runs well.

Evan Williams, trainer of Esprit Du Large
He's run some very good races this year, particularly when fourth in the Supreme trial at Haydock. He ran well through the line when stepped up in trip at Hereford and this distance will be no bother. I think his mark looks good.

Jonjo O'Neill, trainer of Tedham
We're happy he's crept in at the bottom of the weights and he looks to have a nice weight. He's progressing all the time and I'd like to think he'll run a big race.

Tom George, trainer of Doctor Dex
He ran well at Cheltenham last time and I'm hoping the experience gained there will stand him in good stead. The return to a flatter track should suit.

Spotlight verdict

Loads to consider. Nicky Henderson's record in this race heightens interest in the former classy French chaser Kobrouk, while after competitive runs off similar marks in the Coral Cup both Brio Conti and Canardier have every right to be involved. Three Musketeers could revive on his debut for Gordon Elliott and the novices Esprit Du Large and Tedham aren't out of it, but Mont Des Avaloirs is preferred. Although below par the last twice (excuses latest), he's best judged on his near miss in a strong Newbury handicap in December and skipping Cheltenham could be a plus.

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