It's the return of 'the King' at Aintree tomorrow as Moscow Flyer, with the unprecedented record of being unbeaten in 18 completed starts over fences, takes centre-stage in the John Smith's Melling Chase.

Trained in Ireland by Jessica Harrington, Moscow Flyer regained his crown in last month's Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham with a peerless performance in the hands of regular rider Barry Geraghty.

Although now 11 years old and approaching the twilight of his career, Moscow Flyer remains the best chaser around at up to two-and-a-half miles.

Winner of the Melling Chase from Isio 12 months ago, Moscow Flyer faces competition from five rivals tomorrow. They include Martin Pipe's Therealbandit, who drops back in distance. Pipe has opted to run Therealbandit instead of Well Chief, who chased home Moscow Flyer in the Queen Mother Champion Chase.

None of the five, however, should be good enough to trouble Moscow Flyer, who can reign supreme for a 19th time.

Bewleys Berry should not be overlooked in the John Smith's NUSSL Sefton Novices' Hurdle, despite his fall at Cheltenham last time.

Thankfully none the worse for that spill, the gelding had been considered by trainer Howard Johnson to be one of his best chances at the Festival. The fact that Johnson had three winners at the meeting adds weight to that view. Twice a winner this season, Bewleys Berry is an exciting prospect.

With the Aintree ground likely to be soft, Jazz d'Estruval can take the opening race, the John Smith's Mildmay Novices' Chase. Impressive winner of his first two races over fences this season, Jazz d'Estruval fell in a two-horse race at Market Rasen on his last outing but was remounted and won.

Given that he'd beaten the classy Trabolgan, a Cheltenham winner last month, by a wide margin at Haydock in mid-winter, Jazz d'Estruval is a class act when he gets his act together and when the mud is flying. He is awarded my Nap vote.

Tomorrow's Tips

Aintree

2.00 Jazz d'Estruval (Nap), 2.35 Sea Captain, 3.10 Moscow Flyer, 3.45 Juveigneur, 4.20 Bewleys Berry, 4.55 Sleeping Night, 5.30 Touch Closer.

Tomorrow's other meetings are at Lingfield and Southwell.

Updated: 11:00 Thursday, April 07, 2005