Walford’s Lad primed for Sefton Battle

Mark Walford is targeting a Grade One breakthrough with the exciting Battle Born Lad in the Oddschecker Sefton Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree.

The six-year-old shone on his hurdling debut over two miles at Hexham in the autumn, before taking a sizeable step up in class and distance for the Grade Two Prestige Novices’ Hurdle at Haydock in February, dominating from the front under Jamie Hamilton.

“It’s our first runner in a Grade One and it’s great for everyone in the yard that works so hard. It’s nice that we’ve ended up with a decent horse who looks like he should be competitive,” said Walford.

“His last few bits of work have been really good and it looks like we’ll be going with half a chance. I always said I didn’t want to be going to these races just to make up the numbers and he’s definitely earned his right to go there.”

While clearly talented, Battle Born Lad does appear to have his quirks, having almost run out on the first circuit at Haydock and then unshipped Hamilton after the winning line.

Walford added: “We can’t say that’s not a worry. He ducked off the track in a bumper at Newcastle, he tried to go on the first circuit at Haydock and Jamie did well to get him round and then after the line he went to go again.

“He’s got his quirks, but Jamie will have a plan of what he wants to do and hopefully we can get him round the stable yard bend.

“This is where we want to be and we’re trying to get some better quality horses. He was a bit of an unlikely one when he first arrived to be honest, I never thought we’d end up here with him, but he’s just improved and improved.”

Mister Meggit is a fascinating contender for Jonjo and AJ O’Neill on what will be his first competitive appearance since an impressive hurdling debut at Aintree in November.

AJ O’Neill said: “He had a bit of a setback after he ran here in the autumn, but he seems to be back on the straight and narrow now and we’re looking forward to seeing him back on the track.

“He did it nicely first time over hurdles and hopefully he’s going there in good form. It’s a shame not to have a run under our belt, but we’re looking forward to seeing him run.”

Other contenders include Nicky Henderson’s Califet En Vol and Gordon Elliott’s hat-trick-seeking pair of Jacob’s Ladder and Familiar Dreams.

“Both of them are in good form. They both probably need to improve to be Grade One horses, but they head there on the back of wins and we take our chance,” said Elliott.