Thistlecrack at Aintree last year© Photo Healy Racing
Connections of Shaneshill feel he may be racing for a place at best in the Liverpool Stayers' Hurdle at Aintree today.
The Willie Mullins-trained seven-year-old is reverting to timber to take on brilliant World Hurdle hero Thistlecrack after finishing a close second in the RSA Chase at Cheltenham,
Patrick Mullins, assistant to his father, said: "His form at Punchestown last year was not that far behind Thistlecrack.
"We just thought that maybe coming back to hurdles would suit him a bit better, plus the race is worth a bit more money.
"Thistlecrack looks to have improved and Colin Tizzard looks to have his horses in fantastic order.
"Sometimes a horse can bounce between Cheltenham and Aintree. We are taking our chance in the race but we are probably running for second.
"If Thistlecrack goes chasing next season it might leave the staying hurdle division open so this will give us an idea of where we go with Shaneshill next season."
Colin Tizzard anticipates another top-class display from Thistlecrack
Having cemented his place at the top of the staying division at last month's Festival, the eight-year-old will attempt to make it five wins in succession in the Grade One contest on Merseyside.
Should Thistlecrack taste victory in the three-mile prize, it would see him claim back-to-back wins at the Grand National meeting, having triumphed in the Sefton Novices' Hurdle 12 months ago.
Tizzard said: "He's absolutely fine and is in the form he's been in all season. He looks great and there's no reason why he can't run right up to his best."
Regular rider Tom Scudamore is also excited about Thistlecrack's chances.
He said: "I'm looking forward to riding him again. He won the Grade One novice around there last year, so the track isn't a problem.
"It's a competitive race, but on what he's done so far this season he's the best staying hurdler around."
