Meade hoping Muirhead bounces back Noel Meade hopes Muirhead will bounce back to form in the John Smith's Dick Francis Aintree Hurdle tomorrow. It will be the best ground the gelding has encountered since finishing fifth in last year's Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham. "He's travelled well, settled in well and will like the ground, so it's just whether he handles the opposition," said Meade. "I think the trip will suit him all right. He's been a bit disappointing since finishing second to Solwhit first time out, whether that's been the ground or whether he's just not been right, we're not sure. "He seems in good form now anyway, so hopefully we can see the real Muirhead on Saturday." Nigel Twiston-Davies is confident the step up to two and a half miles will not inconvenience Khyber Kim. The eight-year-old has enjoyed a fantastic campaign having won the Greatwood Hurdle and the Boylesports.com International at Cheltenham, before finding only Binocular too strong in the Champion Hurdle. "He's stepping up to two and a half miles but that isn't a worry at all as it's an easier track than Cheltenham," said Twiston-Davies. "The ground should be perfect for him and he seems in tremendous form. "Having run so well to finish second in the Champion Hurdle it would be great if he could round off the season with a win." Celestial Halo disappointed in this race 12 months ago and will be having his last run over hurdles before he goes novice chasing next season. "Whether he'll be good enough I don't know. Zaynar has also been crying out for two and a half miles as well," owner Andy Stewart said. "He's going to jump a fence next year. We thought we'd give this a go, put him away and then see if he can jump a fence."
