Spirit River is potentially very well treated in the finale at Aintree (5.25) and looks cracking each-way value at 14/1.
Nicky Henderson’s gelding reverted to hurdles having failed to take to the larger obstacles in the Coral Cup at Cheltenham and was in the process of running a cracker when coming to grief at the last.
The seven-year-old, who had travelled well throughout, was in fourth and staying on and may well have played a hand in the finish if he had stood on his feet.
It was a terrific effort, and he races in this off the same mark of 145, which is only 4lb higher than when he won the 2010 running of the Coral Cup.
He won with plenty to spare that day when beating Tullamore Dew by 4 1/2 lengths and if none the worse for his tumble in undoubtedly handicapped to play a major role in this.
His stamina for this 3m test is not assured, but his two runs in the Coral Cup suggest it is within his compass and this is the perfect track for him if he is to win over the trip.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 3pts each-way Spirit River (14/1 bet365 – BOG)
