Aintree top racing tips: Flooring Porter looks strong in competitive Liverpool Hurdle

15:05 - JRL Group Liverpool Hurdle (3 miles 149 yards)

This 10-runner field is packed with familiar names and proven performers, the majority of whom will hold legitimate claims of landing a blow at the end of the testing three-mile trip. 

The late withdrawal of Sire Du Berlais means the dual winner is deprived of his chance to complete a Liverpool Hurdle hat-trick, leaving Flooring Porter at the top of the early betting for Gavin Cromwell.

Having landed the Stayers’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in both 2021 and 2022, and second and third behind Sire Du Berlais here in the last two running, the nine-year-old clearly has the credentials to justify his market support.

Planet Sport Bet: Bet £20+ cash on any runner in the race and if Flooring Porter wins by more than 3 lengths, get a £5 Free Bet!

He is one of the several entrants who ran behind the unbeatable Teahupoo in this year’s Stayers’ a month ago, and finished a worthy runner-up with re-opposing Dashel Drasher and Crambo further adrift.

With many major bookmakers paying out on four places, there’s plenty of each-way value to be found among those capable of putting themselves in the frame.

Hewick should turn up fresh, having not run since landing the King George on Boxing Day, although that win was handed on a plate by a blundering Shiskin’s, plus this nine-year-old has proven to be less effective over hurdles

Of the five runners likely to be sent off at double-digit odds, we should write off the likeable Dashel Drasher at our peril as he can always provide a threat out of the blue, while  Willie Mullins and Paul Townend team up with Monkfish, who must be respected despite recent disappointments.

All that said, our each-way pin is finally going to land on Nicky Henderson’s Champ, who, like Sire Du Berlais, is no spring chicken as a veteran 12-year-old.

This proven stayer looks very interesting at such a price, not least because he boasts a good record when fresh and should be just that after be forced to swerve Cheltenham owing to his stable’s health issues.

He won the Sefton Hurdle over this trip in 2019, and although five years older now and well held in both the Long Walk Hurdle and the Cleeve Hurdle this term, first-time cheekpieces could produce a more focused run and it would be no surprise if he gives Jonjo O’Neill Jr a decent ride.

Each-way punt: Champ in the 15:05 at Aintree

• Tip advised by OPAL Horses on Tipstrr

Liverpool Hurdle last 5 winners

• 2023 Sire Du Berlais 8/1 
• 2022 Sire Du Berlais 16/1
• 2021 Thyme Hill 5/2F 
• 2019 If The Cap Fits 7/1
• 2018 Identity Thief 14/1

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