Rock On and Zarkandar set for Aintree clash Rock On Ruby could clash with stablemate Zarkandar at Aintree next month. The Champion Hurdle winner was six-and-a-half lengths ahead of last year's Triumph Hurdle hero at the Cheltenham Festival last week with both now set for a step up in trip to two-and-a-half miles. The John Smith's Aintree Hurdle, won last year by Nicky Henderson's Oscar Whisky, is the target for both according to trainer Paul Nicholls. The Ditcheat handler said in his column at www.betfair.com/paulnicholls: "Rock On Ruby and Zarkandar could both go to the 2m 4f race at Liverpool. "In hindsight, Zarkandar could have been ridden closer to the pace in the Champion Hurdle but he finished strongly into fifth, probably running a career-best, and a longer trip will suit him."
