Drever Goes To War Once More

World Hurdle hero Inglis Drever features among a small but select field of six for the John Smith's Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree tomorrow.

Cheltenham Festival runner-up Mighty Man takes up the challenge once more and bids to repeat last year's heroics.

Henry Daly's charge handed My Way De Solzen a seven-length beating in 2006, but faces the Jonjo O'Neill-trained Black Jack Ketchum along with his Prestbury Park conqueror this time around.

O'Neill will also saddle Fire Dragon in the extended three-mile event, in which World Hurdle third Blazing Bailey and Lough Derg are also set to do battle.

Inglis Drever cemented his position as the leading staying hurdler in training with a second victory at Cheltenham and two years ago Graham Wylie's star won the inaugural Order Of Merit title.

Kauto Star had this season's #250,000 prize wrapped up some time ago, but there is still plenty of prize-money on offer for the second and third in the table.

Inglis Drever, Mighty Man and Blazing Bailey all have a chance of climbing up the ladder with a victory tomorrow and Howard Johnson has reported his stable star to be in top form ahead of the contest.

'The horse is well and has come out of Cheltenham in good order,' said Johnson.

'It would be nice to push up the Order of Merit table and we were of course delighted to win the inaugural competition two years ago.

'Things may not have gone our way this season (with Inglis Drever returning from injury), but given a clear run we may yet challenge Kauto Star next year.

'I am all in favour of the Order of Merit but Mr Wylie is the really keen one; he's always got an eye on the table!'

Blazing Bailey's trainer Alan King believes his runner will have a tough task reversing Cheltenham form with Inglis Drever and Mighty Man.

'It's a very good race, it's the World Hurdle all over again,' said King. 'I hope he'll run very well but he'll have his work cut out against this opposition.

'He's in good form, he had a nice break after Cheltenham and I've been very happy with his preparation.'

(C) PA Sport