Ivanovich Gorbatov ready to roll at Aintree Connections of Triumph Hurdle hero Ivanovich Gorbatov believe a return to a flatter track should not inconvenience him in the Betfred Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle at Aintree on Thursday. Although officially trained by Aidan O'Brien, the Ballydoyle maestro credited his son Joseph for preparing the youngster following his impressive display at Cheltenham. Frank Berry, racing manager to JP McManus, said: "He is in good form and has taken his Cheltenham race well. The lads could not be happier with him and it looks a lovely race for him." Berry added: "I would say that the better ground had a big bearing on his performance at Cheltenham as it was bottomless at Leopardstown the time before and he jumped and travelled much better at Cheltenham. "He came up the hill very well at Cheltenham, but I don't think he will mind the flat track at Aintree as he is a very versatile horse." Ivanovich Gorbatov is reopposed by three horses whom he defeated in the Triumph Hurdle, including the Willie Mullins-trained pair of Apple's Jade and Footpad, who finished second and third respectively. Patrick Mullins, the trainer's son and assistant, said: "It looks like Aintree will suit Ivanovich Gorbatov better than Cheltenham. "Apple's Jade run a fantastic race at Cheltenham but around Aintree there would be less emphasis on stamina and that would count against her. "The hood has been left off Footpad as it didn't really work for him. He was a bit detached early on and there is a good possibility he will run better than he did at Cheltenham if he takes part earlier on and just gets racing." Diego Du Charmil steps up to Grade One level following his victory in the Fred Winter at Cheltenham on his first start for trainer Paul Nicholls, who is also represented by Romain De Senam. "He's a nice horse and I think the track will suit him (Diego Du Charmil) better than Cheltenham," Nicholls, who won the race last year with All Yours, told At The Races. "Last year All Yours was beaten in the Fred Winter before winning at Aintree, so you can run in a handicap and upgrade. It's a good race this year and Diego has to improve." Azzuri, Doubly Clever, Khezerabad and Triumph Hurdle ninth Sceau Royal complete the nine-runner field.
