GB - Aintree - Race 1

Thoroughbred

10 Runners

17f

Group 1 Hurdle

Turf

Good to Soft

151.0K

VIEW

Verdict

A mouth-watering renewal. Having been keen/forced to switch at a crucial stage, SELMA DE VARY did well to finish fourth behind progressive pair Maestro Conti (second) and Minella Study (third) in last month's Triumph and perhaps crucially, a tongue strap now goes on for first time since joining Willie Mullins. She can reverse the form, and in doing so, add to her yard's fine recent record with fillies in this race.

numberFire Picks

Horse Stats

#/Silk	Horse#/Horse	Power Rating	High Speed	Win %	Top 3%	Win Prob
10	Useful filly split Narciso Has/Mange Tout on first start for Willie Mullins and confirmed herself a much-improved performer when fourth in Triumph at Cheltenham. That performance can be marked up and she makes plenty of appeal with tongue strap refitted (on for sole previous success in France). 1st Pick 10 Selma De Vary (Fr) Jockey: P. Townend Trainer: W. P. Mullins, Ireland J: P. Townend T: W. P. Mullins, Ireland	99	-	-	-	36%
Analysis Useful filly split Narciso Has/Mange Tout on first start for Willie Mullins and confirmed herself a much-improved performer when fourth in Triumph at Cheltenham. That performance can be marked up and she makes plenty of appeal with tongue strap refitted (on for sole previous success in France).
5	Scopey, fast-improving sort who did remarkably well (refused to settle) to make 3-3 on Trials Day at Cheltenham before enhancing his reputation when runner-up in the Triumph last time, finishing ahead of 4 of today's rivals. Making only his fifth career start, he has to be high on the shortlist. 2nd Pick 5 Maestro Conti (Fr) Jockey: Harry Skelton Trainer: Dan Skelton J: Harry Skelton T: Dan Skelton	100	-	-	-	29%
Analysis Scopey, fast-improving sort who did remarkably well (refused to settle) to make 3-3 on Trials Day at Cheltenham before enhancing his reputation when runner-up in the Triumph last time, finishing ahead of 4 of today's rivals. Making only his fifth career start, he has to be high on the shortlist.
6	Has proved most progressive for emerging yard, seeing off Winston Junior in a Cheltenham juvenile hurdle prior to running a stormer to finish third (short head behind Maestro Conti) in the Triumph there last time. Further improvement cannot be ruled out with this test promising to suit. 3rd Pick 6 Minella Study Jockey: Ryan Mania Trainer: Adam Nicol J: Ryan Mania T: Adam Nicol	100	-	-	-	23%
Analysis Has proved most progressive for emerging yard, seeing off Winston Junior in a Cheltenham juvenile hurdle prior to running a stormer to finish third (short head behind Maestro Conti) in the Triumph there last time. Further improvement cannot be ruled out with this test promising to suit.

Upcoming Races

Horse Racing Basic Terms

Fractions

The times recorded during the race; with timing starting just past the gate or when the gates open, then parroted for the quarter, half, three-quarters etc. Used as an indication of ability and speed.

Also Eligible

A horse that is entered but does not draw into the body of the field due to too many entries, and thus is not permitted to start unless there are enough scratches to shrink the field size.

Turf Course

A racetrack made of grass.