Sefton puzzle lacks a Cheltenham flavour, but don't rule out improvement from these lively outsiders

Aintree is usually the first opportunity to test a Cheltenham Festival formline’s strength. There is a surprising scarcity of that in this season’s Sefton, but perhaps for good reason.

The festival can be tough on novices. Winners of the Albert Bartlett (Stay Away Fay) and Martin Pipe (Iroko) came unstuck in the 2023 Sefton when presumably feeling Cheltenham. 

That effect was even more pronounced in the previous running when Banbridge ran flat a few weeks after his Martin Pipe success. Looking back, Banbridge was the best horse in that race by two stone but was unable to show it after a tight turnaround. 

Cheltenham form is unlikely to be a factor this season and fresh horses hold the key. Everything missed the festival with the exception of the Willie Mullins-trained Argento Boy, who was beaten 100 lengths in the Albert Bartlett and appears to be down the pecking order at Closutton. 

The market is concentrating on the right horses, although Mister Meggit’s prominence in the betting is debatable. Even allowing for the promise he showed in bumpers and in his novice hurdle victory at his track, there have been hold-ups along the way. 

Mister Meggit bled from the nose when a well-beaten favourite in the Grade 2 bumper at this meeting in 2024 and sports a first-time tongue-tie on his first start in 146 days. 

Mister Meggit: not seen since hurdling debutCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

There are unlikely to be any hiding places on Aintree’s long hurdles straight and only a handful of these are proven at three miles.

Battle Born Lad showcased his stamina for this trip in the Prestige, something runner-up Moon Rocket had earlier demonstrated in the River Don. Minella Rescue has, but in low-grade handicaps. 

Point-to-point exploits give some of these a chance of relishing this new distance under rules. Lucinda Russell and Nicky Henderson have shared four of the past six runnings between them. It may be dangerous to overlook outsiders King Of Answers and Holloway Queen on that basis. 

However, Henderson’s first string Califet En Vol rates a likelier one for win purposes. This point-to-point runner-up looked a stayer when landing the Sidney Banks and behind The New Lion in a Newbury novice. A light campaign can pay dividends.
Analysis by Robbie Wilders

What they say

Nicky Henderson, trainer of Califet En Vol and Holloway Queen
We've kept Califet En Vol for this. He won the Sidney Banks nicely and hopefully he can run well. Holloway Queen has been good but I'd think this ground might be a little quick. The step up to three miles should help her.

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Jacob's Ladder and Familiar Dreams
We've had this race in mind for Jacob's Ladder for a while, ever since he won at Naas really. He's improving and should love the trip. Familiar Dreams is a very smart mare who impressed me at Limerick. She's got a great attitude and plenty of ability.

Lucinda Russell, trainer of King Of Answers and Jupiter Des Mottes
King Of Answers was very impressive at Newcastle when he won there, but he then ran very moderately on soft ground at Uttoxeter. This will be a tough ask, but it's worth giving him a shot and the ground should be fine. Jupiter lacks a bit of experience, but he also impressed me at Newcastle. He's a very laid-back horse and in his races he tends to only do as much as he has to. He will have a lot more under the bonnet.

Henry Daly, trainer of Laganhill
I'm a little concerned about the going for him, it was hot, bright and with wind at Aintree on Thursday so we'll have to see. Last time it was two miles and two furlongs and they went too fast so we're up in trip.

Joe Tizzard, trainer of Western Knight
We skipped Cheltenham with with one eye on Aintree and his form up to Christmas was decent. I’m happy to put a line through his Doncaster run and we’ve had a smooth run with him since.
Reporting by Peter Scargill

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