Skip to content

Brain Power and Petit Mouchoir given Aintree option

Petit Mouchoir wings the last flight on his way to victory in the BHP Insurance Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown.
Image: Petit Mouchoir

Brain Power and Petit Mouchoir, who finished second and third in the Arkle at Cheltenham, are the star names among 12 entries for Saturday's Doom Bar Maghull Novices' Chase at Aintree.

Brain Power and Petit Mouchoir, who finished second and third in the Arkle at Cheltenham, are the star names among 12 entries for Saturday's Doom Bar Maghull Novices' Chase at Aintree.

In the absence of Footpad, who scoped poorly and has been ruled out of the meeting by Willie Mullins, it is left to the horses who chased him home at Cheltenham to step into the breach.

Paul Nicholls has entered Cyrname, despite harbouring doubts about his ability to be as effective going left-handed, along with Diego Du Charmil and Tommy Silver.

Dan Skelton has Shantou Rock engaged, Keith Dalgleish may run Delegate while Lady Buttons, who is unbeaten over fences, is an interesting contender for Phil Kirby.

"She's in the Scottish Champion Hurdle the week after, but I think we'll run at Aintree," said Kirby.

"At the moment it looks like she's a better chaser than hurdler -she'll have to be to get involved - but she's been impressive to date.

Latest Racing Stories

"From day one she's been a natural. She can go long when you want, but is also very clever in short.

"Footpad not running is obviously a big help and we're keen to see how she'll do.

"The second and third from the Arkle are there, but ultimately they were beaten a long way.

"I know she's got to step up, but we're hoping her jumping will help her bridge the gap."

Around Sky