On the edge

This time there may be no Istabraq in the Aintree Hurdle but Knife Edge can still present an significant Irish challenge in the day's main supporting race. Michael O'Brien's horse won't be sorry that the Champion Hurdler has retired for the season in common with every other decent Irish hurdler, he has also had to content with distant views of Istabraq's backside over the last year.

The last episode came when Knife Edge was third in the AIG but he should strip fresh for this and is definitely well having absolutely sluiced home in a Curragh flat race a fortnight ago. The Cheltenham runner-up Hors La Loi is the obvious favourite for the race but he has had two quick and hard races and might just be vulnerable to a fresh horse. Knife Edge can be that horse.

On what could be a very good day for the visitors, the Leopardstown scorer Sharpaten may easily be still improving and must be respected in the opening handicap hurdle. Clifton Beat made a mistake at a crucial stage of the Grand Annual at Cheltenhan Cheltenham and still got fourth behind Samakaan. With that run under his belt, 10 lbs. of a swing with the winner and Philip Hobbs's horses in such form then Clifton Beat has a clear chance in the Red Rum Chase.

Bookmaker Paddy Power has announced that it will refund all losing single bets placed on the Grand National if Bobbyjo wins the race. The offer applies to all single win bets through its telephone betting service or through any of its 118 shops.