AINTREE PREVIEW: His last major triumph was the Galway Plate, and he hasn't run in months, but Grimes looks up to filling the hole left by Istabraq's retirement in the Aintree Hurdle at least, writes Brian O'Connor.
Some of the old champion's most memorable performances were in this race, including his 1998 defeat by Pridwell.
Grimes may never entirely fill the void, but the JP McManus colours look sure to be carried prominently by him in the Grade One contest.
Christy Roche has been keeping him on the boil for months, waiting for the ground to turn, and it has come up good just in time.
On such conditions, Grimes is a high-class operator in his own right as judged by a champion hurdle victory at the Punchestown Festival.
In against him today are the champion hurdle third and fourth, Bilboa and Geos, as well as the Coral Cup winner, Ilnamar, but it is debatable if they can be at a peak after their Cheltenham exertions.
In contrast, Grimes will be as fresh as paint; he has got his ground and he has run well on the track before.
It should also pay the Irish followers to wait for the last race of the Aintree Festival, as Kickham should land the Grade Two bumper.
