Drever Ready For Aintree Assignment

Howard Johnson has issued an ultra-positive update on Ladbrokes World Hurdle winner Inglis Drever ahead of his return at Aintree on Thursday.

The Andrea and Graham Wylie-owned eight-year-old is set to renew rivalry with Cheltenham faller Black Jack Ketchum in the John Smith's Liverpool Hurdle, the curtain-raiser to the three-day meeting.

Inglis Drever stole the show on day three of the Cheltenham Festival when he landed his second World Hurdle in three years.

Ominously for his rivals, Johnson feels his teak-tough gelding is in even better shape than last month.

'He's good ? very good,' said Johnson.

'He's come out of Cheltenham without a bother. In fact, I'd say he's even better than he was before it (the World Hurdle).'

With Aintree officials watering to maintain good ground, Johnson's concerns about possible fast conditions are likely to be allayed by Thursday.

'I wouldn't take any chances on running him on firm ground,' he added.

'Mind you, I don't suppose many others would run there if it was like that.'

(C) PA Sport