Nap of the Day: Smart Hendo hurdler can step up

We're about to enjoy the second day of Aintree's fabulous Grand National Festival, and we've got a Nap Of The Day selection in what looks a red-hot Grade 1 novices'' hurdle.

The Aintree 16:40 is the race in question - with 15 slated to face the starter and some of the very best yards and jocks involved. Here's the 'science' bit ...

Today's Horse Races

Aintree 16:40 - Califet En Vol @ 7/2

For our nap we're relying upon master trainer Nicky Henderson, jockey Nico de Boinville, and a bonny six-year-old gelding by tough, ex-Godolphin stayer Califet.

Califet En Vol looks to have inherited plenty of his sire's ability, and the strong feeling I get is that there's plenty more to come in the future. Three hurdle spins have yielded two wins - the last of which was in Listed company at Huntingdon in February, when eventually getting the better of a decent Ben Pauling novice who's gone in since but then perhaps failed to stay in the Martin Pipe.

The selection on the other hand could be hugely suited by a step up in trip, which he gets today (he goes just over 3m for the first time since his point, back in December 2023).

Prior to Huntingdon he ran at Newbury in November, another proper Grade 1 venue, in a hot novice that's subsequently produced some terrific winners.

Home first that day was The New Lion, who returned to Berkshire in December to waltz away with the £57k Challow, before an even greater achievement at the Festival (thrilling winner of the G1 Turner's/Baring Bingham).

Califet En Vol got to within 3l of The New Lion when the pair met and it looked to this observer at least that a little further than than 2m 4+f would have seen him in an even better light.

His trainer needs no introduction. Jockey too - big races have been their meat and drink for a decade. Califet En Vol runs in the familiar colours of the Mcneill Family & Stone Family, and they might just have another good 'un on their hands.

Brilliant race in prospect, and I'm hoping it's graduation day for the immensely-promising Seven Barrows novice.

Nap Of The Day from Betfred Insights.