Halo to step up in trip at Aintree Champion Hurdle runner-up Celestial Halo is set to run over two-and-a-half miles in the Aintree Hurdle on Grand National day (Saturday April 4). Paul Nicholls' five-year-old has so far been exclusively campaigned at trips of about two miles since embarking on his hurdles career at the end of 2007. However, he was a stayer on the Flat having being beaten just under four lengths in the St Leger at Doncaster, and owner Andy Stewart believes his horse will relish the extra four furlongs. He told At The Races, 'It was a marvellous run (in the Champion Hurdle) and we are all set to have a go with him again on Grand National day. He goes for the Aintree Hurdle and it could be his ideal distance.' Meanwhile, Ladbrokes World Hurdle winner Big Buck's is set to line-up in the John Smith's Liverpool Hurdle that opens the meeting on Thursday April 2.
