Grand National Festival 2018 – Jessica Harrington’s Supasundae out to prove versatility again in the Aintree Hurdle
Sun Bets Stayers' Hurdle runner-up Supasundae will bid to show his flexibility once again as he drops back in trip for the two and a half mile Aintree Hurdle on the opening day of the Grand National Festival.
JESSICA HARRINGTON hopes Supasundae can demonstrate his versatility again when he drops back down in trip to two and a half milles for the Betway Aintree Hurdle on Thursday.
The eight-year-old has proven himself to be effective between two and three miles over the winter, winning the Irish Champion Hurdle over two at Leopardstown before he was narrowly denied by Penhill over three miles in the Sun Bets Stayers’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.
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Harrington said: “He’s over there and I’m happy with him.
“He came out of Cheltenham very well. I’m hoping there’s not too much rain.
“I’m pleased with him and I hope he runs a big race.”
Nicky Henderson was dealt a blow on Monday as dual Champion Hurdle winner Buveur D’Air was ruled out of Aintree after a setback, but he is still doubly represented by three-time Champion Hurdle runner-up My Tent Or Yours and L’Ami Serge.
The former, owned by JP McManus, missed this year’s Champion Hurdle after his own late setback but he returns to Aintree a fresh horse for his first run since winning the International Hurdle at Cheltenham in December.
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“He’s in great form. Nicky is very happy with him. We hope the ground is not too soft and hopefully he’ll run well,” said McManus’ racing manager Frank Berry.
“Everything is fine with him again after Cheltenham. We couldn’t be happier with him.”
The New One will run in the Aintree Hurdle for a fifth time and conections report the 2014 winner to be in good form after a rare unplaced effort in the Sun Bets Stayers’ Hurdle at Cheltenham.
“He has come out of his run at Cheltenham and we’re pleased with him,” said Twiston-Davies’ assistant Carl Llewellyn.
Matt Chapman's TV tips for Aintree
2.20 Aintree – Apple’s Shakira: ‘Has a hood on now and can bounce back’
2.50 Aintree – Might Bite: ‘Easily the best horse in this race’
3.25 Aintree – Supasundae: ‘The one to beat and this trip should be ideal’
4.05 Aintree – Unioniste: ‘Should give David Maxwell a great spin’
4.40 Aintree – King’s Socks: ‘Ran well at Cheltenham and can back that run up here’
“Things didn’t work out at Cheltenham, but returning to this trip will suit and if the ground is not gluey, he should have a good chance.
“If he is able to get through the ground, then conditions should suit him. He’s been a great horse for the yard and hopefully he can run another big race.”