Plenty of questions about most of the field in the Aintree Hurdle (3.25pm), but I like Brewin’upastorm and he looks a shade of value at 8-1.
The eight year old looked a really smart individual in his 2018/19 novice season over hurdles, finishing fourth in the Ballymore before a good second in the Mersey Novices’ Hurdle at this meeting.
Sent chasing the following season, he was just 6-1 for the Arkle after two novice wins, but made a dreadful blunder and unseated Richard Johnson four out.
His first two starts over fences this term came in very strong company, when the yard was under a bit of a cloud, but a switch to hurdles and the application of a tongue-tie (which was on for his run in the Tingle Creek) has seen him bounce back to his best, scoring with ease off 148 at Taunton before following up in the National Spirit at Fontwell Park last time, where he had McFabulous back in second.
He has really clicked with Aidan Coleman, who was very positive about him after the Fontwell win, and Olly Murphy has had this race in mind for him ever since, opting to bypass Cheltenham.
2m4f on good/good to soft look his ideal conditions, he still looks to be progressing and has run very well here on his sole outing at the course. With the yard in great form, he is worth supporting to give his trainer Olly Murphy his second Grade 1 winner, after Itchy Feet’s Scilly Isles success last term.
3.25pm Aintree – 1pt win, 0.5pt place Brewin’upastorm @ 17/2 (Betvictor, Betfred, 8-1 Ladbrokes, Coral, Bet365, William Hill)
