12:45 aintree Thursday 9th April 2026

SELMA DE VARY (10) can turn the tables on Maestro Conti and Minella Study as the trio rematch after the G1 2m1f Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham. She shaped with huge promise when a 3. 5L fourth on only her second try. Willie Mullins has won this race two times in the last three years with mares. MAESTRO CONTI (5) is the main danger after his second-place finish. MINELLA STUDY (6) travelled strongest and may prefer the sharper track. WINSTON JUNIOR (7) caught the eye when a strong-staying second in the Fred Winter at Cheltenham last month. AMMES (1) cannot be discounted on his early-season form including when winning by 11L at Chepstow in October.