'He's in such good form at home' – Fry star Harry in top shape on reappearance

Read Noel Fehily At 188Bet Hurdle | 2m4f | 4yo+ | RUK

A small but select field featuring the reappearance of exciting staying hurdler Unowhatimeanharry – a reappearance which wasn’t on the cards until very recently.

Considered a Cheltenham Festival banker last season by many following a brilliant campaign which saw him carry all before him with wins in the Grade 1 Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot, plus Grade 2 triumphs at Newbury and Cheltenham, the JP McManus-owned nine-year-old was sent off 5-6 favourite for Stayers’ Hurdle glory.

Things didn’t pan out as most had anticipated, however, and Unowhatimeanharry could finish only third behind Nichols Canyon and Lil Rockerfeller.

He then bounced back to his imperious best when getting the better of a duel with Nichols Canyon in Punchestown’s Grade 1 Champion Stayers Hurdle, and is reported in great shape by trainer Harry Fry for this return to action.

“The plan was to start him off at Newbury in the Grade 2 Long Distance Hurdle next month, but he’s in such good form at home we’ve decided to go to Aintree,” said Fry.

“We toyed with the idea of sending him to Wincanton for a gallop but decided we might as well go to Aintree.

“It’s a drop in trip but looks the ideal starting point. He has to give weight away and it’s bound to be tactical with only three runners, but he’s so well that we’re keen to run. It will be good to see him in back in action and we’re looking forward to it.”

Unowhatimeanharry, winner of nine of his ten starts for Fry, goes head to head with Top Notch, who receives a valuable 8lb from the star stayer over this two-and-a-half-mile trip.

While the nine-year-old Unowhatimeanharry ideally needs a stiffer test of stamina nowadays, three-years younger Top Notch, a Grade 1 winner over fences last season in the Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase and fifth to Annie Power in the 2016 Champion Hurdle, should be in his element round Aintree at this distance.

Trainer Nicky Henderson said: “Top Notch is going back hurdling for one run. He’s in good form, and it’s a good starting point. He’ll return to fences after this.”

Value At Risk, trained by Dan Skelton, also boasts decent winning form over fences, but the high point of his career so far came when landing a Grade 2 hurdle at Fairyhouse in March 2016.

Another hugely popular nine-year-old, The New One, who featured among the five-day entries for this 188Bet-backed race, was not declared. He heads the weights for the Unibet Greatwood Handicap Hurdle next weekend.

Members can read the latest exclusive interviews, news analysis and comment available from 6pm daily on racingpost.com