AWAY from the big one all eyes will be on AL EILE, who looks a solid selection to win for a fifth time at Aintree in the John Smith’s Aintree Hurdle (2.50pm).
The John Queally-trained nine-year-old has been trained to peak at his favourite venue at this meeting.
Having won the 4-Y-O Anniversary Hurdle in 2004, Al Eile has won three of the last four runnings of this 2m4f Grade One contest.
His only defeat came three years when sixth to Asian Maze, but last year’s 10-length success showed him to be at his best at Aintree.
He has had just one run since when winning on the all-weather at Dundalk at the end of February. That will have put him spot-on and he can equal Morley Street’s four Aintree Hurdle victories in the early 1990s this afternoon.
Donald McCain’s talented mare WHITEOAK is the each-way alternative can follow him home.
KALAHARI KING ran a superb race to finish second in the Arkle Trophy at Cheltenham and compensation awaits in the John Smith’s Maghull Novices’ Chase (2.15pm).
Ferdy Murphy’s eight-year-old was only just touched off by Fordpadydeplaster.
He came from a long way and on ground that was softer than ideal it was a great effort.
This better ground and flatter track can see him triumph.
