1.45pm Aintree

Joyeuse

She clearly ran well, in first-time cheekpieces that are retained here, when third in the County Hurdle last time but unfortunately she has gone up 2lb for being beaten 5 lengths there. Small margins matter in these hugely competitive handicap hurdles but hopefully the step back up to 2m4f on decent ground can see her figure in the closing stages here.

4.05pm Aintree

Excello

He hasn’t been at his best of late, but he ran okay in the Kim Muir last time, he has come down in the weights and hopefully a return to these fences will spark him back to life. He was a good third in the Grand Sefton here in November and he ran better than it looked in this race last season. He has his chance on ground that will suit, but he is 4lb out of the weights here, which is not ideal. On the plus side, he just got in the race though!