Aintree Tips from Architect including BIG outsider in the Formby Novices' Hurdle

HERBIERS (tipped at 8/1) warmed up for this with a spin over hurdles at Wetherby last month, and although it was quite clear he badly needed the run when pulled up, I’m expecting him to prove a different proposition returned to fences with that run under his belt.

He’s 5lb below his last winning mark, and the last time he ran at Aintree, he was marginally behind Richmond Lake when conceding 4lb to that horse. He’s nearly 14lb better off with that reopposing horse now, so there’s every chance he will turn the tables and take the spoils.

Herbiers, 1pt WIN, 8/1

I’m going to take a chance on the outsider of the field in the Grade 1 Formby Novices' Hurdle, GOOD AND CLEVER (tipped at 33/1), who is clearly well regarded by Warren Greatrex and could improve from his promising hurdle debut second and outrun his odds given he finished third in the championship bumper here last season.

He proved no match for the highly regarded Regent’s Stroll, but the winner is clearly a top, top prospect, and this five-year-old will come on enormously for that experience. This is obviously tougher, but the fact that connections are willing to tackle this race after just one hurdle start could prove to be a statement of intent.

Good And Clever, 0.5 pts E/W, 33/1

A Grade 2 bumper winner here on his second career start last year, FLORIDA DREAMS (tipped at 10/3) (NAP) has won twice in this sphere since and is sure to find this easier than when keeping on to finish fifth in the Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham last time out.

Deemed good enough to contest the Grade 1 Formby Novices' Hurdle on this card 12 months ago, Nicky Richard’s charge wasn’t disgraced in finishing fifth, and off a pound lower mark stepping back up in trip, I think he wins this.

Florida Dreams, 2pts WIN, 10/3

This isn’t a strong race, and the vote goes to DUKE OF DECEPTION (tipped at 5/1), who has three wins in this sphere and has been left on the same mark as when third at Wetherby last time out.

That was an encouraging performance after making a bad mistake at Ascot before that when pulled up, and although he remains 8lb above his last winning mark, he should again go well.

Duke Of Deception, 1pt WIN, 5/1