Which of these 'nearly horses' will come out on top in competitive hurdle?

2.40 Aintree
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This looks like a shootout between a few nearly horses who have threatened to make a splash in the big time but have yet to do so. Could this be a stepping stone back to the top table?

Summerville Boy threatened to become a serious Stayers’ Hurdle contender when second behind Paisley Park in the Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham in January, but he couldn’t do better than fifth in the big one in March.

Call Me Lord appeared to have thrown his hat into the Champion Hurdle ring after winning the International at Cheltenham in December, but he was defeated at Sandown next time and beat only four home in the Champion itself in March. The jury is out as to whether he is effective going left-handed.

He might have won at Cheltenham, but his five highest Racing Post Ratings have come at clockwise venues and this is a tighter track than Prestbury Park. It will be the acid test.

Thomas Darby was second in the Supreme last year but bettered that performance only once last season and was a disappointing favourite in the National Spirit at Fontwell last time.

If there is a horse in the race who might still have the potential to make it at the top level it’s probably him. He has run only ten times and has fewer miles on the clock than most of these.

Course form could prove the key, though, and Ch’tibello has the best of that courtesy of his close third behind Supasundae and Buveur D’Air in the Aintree Hurdle last year.

He has had wind surgery since his last run and trainer Dan Skelton has a 19 per cent strike-rate with runners having their first start after the op since the start of 2018.
Analysis by Graeme Rodway

Bowen off the sidelines to reunite with Call Me Lord

James Bowen is thrilled to be back on board last season's International Hurdle winner Call Me Lord, particularly as he nearly missed out on the ride due to suspension.

Bowen reunites with the seven-year-old, on whom the teenage riding sensation had his first ride in the Champion Hurdle in March, after moving one of the days of his 11-day suspension for two separate riding offences last month.

"I've been banned all week and have three more days to sit out after Saturday, and I'm delighted to get to ride him," said the 19-year-old.

"It's been a frustrating time and I've been a bit bored, so I'm looking forward to the race. He's got strong form from last season and should have a good chance."

James Bowen: won last season's Grade 2 International Hurdle on Call Me LordCredit: Edward Whitaker

Following the victories of Wholestone and Top Notch, owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede will be looking for a third straight success in the race with Call Me Lord, who was well down the field in the Champion Hurdle last time.

"He probably wasn't quite right at Cheltenham and didn't run his best race the time before at Sandown either," said Bowen.

"He carries a penalty for his win in the International, but on that form he should go very close. He's stepping up in trip but he's versatile and he goes on soft ground."

What the rest say

Tom George, trainer of Summerville Boy
I'm really happy with him and he's ready to go. Dropping back to two and a half miles first time out is perfect, as he didn't properly see out the three miles in the Stayers' Hurdle. He had a good time of it last season, winning the Relkeel Hurdle, and he's top-drawer hurdler.

Olly Murphy, trainer of Thomas Darby
It's his first run of the season and he's good when he's fresh. He's not in too badly at the weights and it looks a nice starting point. All of mine are coming on for the run though, they're in great nick but a lot are being placed. His family got better with age and hopefully he's going to do the same.

Donald McCain, trainer of Navajo Pass
He's got bundles of stamina and definitely wants two and half miles at this stage and we don't think he'll be one of those juveniles who gets lost the following season. He was going to have a run on the Flat at Haydock, but he had a bit of colic. He's over that now and is ready to go.

Dan Skelton, trainer of Ch'tibello
He doesn't have to carry the penalty that he did last year, and that puts him firmly into the reckoning. I'm very happy with him and the track will suit.
Reporting by Andrew Dietz

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