Buveur D'Air can make up for his Cheltenham fall where his bid to win a third Champion Hurdle also came a cropper, by taking the Aintree Hurdle for a second time on the opening day of the Grand National meeting (3.25pm).
Trainer Nicky Henderson also has Verdana Blue and Brain Power in the line-up while Willie Mullins, chasing his first success in this race, has two contenders in Faugheen and Melon.
Faugheen had every chance in the Stayers' event at Cheltenham before fading out while Melon was runner-up for the second time in the Champion and tackles two and a half miles for the first time.
Henderson generally wins this contest - did so last year with L'Ami Serge - and he'll be bitterly disappointed if Buveur does not land the odds, possibly at the expense of Melon.
Third in the Gold Cup and runner-up in the Bowl Chase (2.50), Bristol De Mai, should go very well once again but preference is for Paul Nichols's Clan Des Obeaux who did not stay at Cheltenham and confirm the King George form with Mai.
Kemboy from the Mulllins yard, saw his Gold Cup bid come to an early demise when falling. He is therefore fresh and has to be respected by Clan has a touch of class and is preferred.
Bet of the day has to be La Bague Au Roi in the opening novice case (1.45).
Four times a winner this season including at Leopardstown, the mare has yet to be tested. The form has been franked a couple of times, not least by Topofthegame and Warren Greatrix has kept the mare for this race.
Meet the Belfast jockey who has teamed up with leading Irish trainer Gordon Elliott
She did not go to Cheltenham and can make her mares' allowance count.
The Juvenile Hurdle (2.20) has a very competitive look to it and brings together the Fred Winter and Triumph Hurdle winners Band Of Outlaws and Pentland Hills respectively.
The latter was having only his second race and Nicky Henderson is sure to find a bit more with him. However the fly in the ointment may turn out to be Fakir D'Oudaires, like Outlaws, handed by Joseph O'Brien.
Fakir was fancied for the Supreme and ran a creditable fourth behind Klassical Dream and is surely a bet to nothing each-way at 5/1.
The Grand National fences come into play in the Foxhunters' Chase (4.50) and here the recent Down Royal winner Burning Ambition is worth support with Derek O'Connor on board.
Having said that, front runner Road To Rome and likely favourite, will be hard to beat as he's a prolific hunter winner and lacked the stamina at Cheltenham when trying to make all.
The drop back in trip should prove ideal.
Selections
1.45: La Bague Au Roi
2.20: Fakir D'Oudaires
2.50: Clan Des Obeaux
3.25: Buveur D'Air
4.05: Burning Ambition
4.40: Lady Buttons
5.15: Misty Whisky
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