Aintree Tips: Zarkandar

The 3.05 Aintree Hurdle is a fascinating renewal with The New One pitched in against several horses who contested the Champion Hurdle and Oscar Whisky looking for his third win in the race.

A good case can be made for many of these, but the horse I like is Zarkandar.

Looking back at sectional timings for the Champion Hurdle it is evident there was a pace collapse. Rock On Ruby set a furious gallop, lit up by first time blinkers and Zarkandar tracked him, with Daryl Jacob keen to bring his mount’s stamina into play. The pace was unsustainable and led to the horses tying up at the finish. An indication of how quickly they went was seeing Hurricane Fly outpaced in midfield.

Ultimately, the front-runners ruined each others races but did well to finish second and fourth respectively. I think the key to Zarkandar is the trip. Two-miles is probably too short for him and in time I see him as a replacement for Big Buck’s in the World Hurdle.

Before we get ahead of ourselves, he can restore his reputation over the intermediate 2m4f of the Aintree Hurdle. Last season he was sent off 2/1 favourite for the race and is a better horse 12 months down the line. The 6/1 (Bet365) on offer therefore looks like a gift.

*Best Odds Guaranteed – Bet365
Back Zarkandar with Bet365 as they are best price and offer Best Odds Guaranteed. If the starting price (SP) is bigger than the current price, you get paid at the bigger SP.

Channel 4/1 Race Offer - Bet365
This race is a Bet365 feature race: Back any single winner at 4/1 or more on a live Channel 4 race and you can have a free bet to the same stake (£50 max.) on the next Channel 4 race.