Grand National Day 1 Tips
The Aintree Grand National meeting is back on Thursday with a cracking card featuring no fewer than four Grade 1 races.
Constitution Hill will bid to put his Cheltenham effort behind him in the Aintree Hurdle where he will be facing Lossiemouth.
We have previewed all seven races and picked out some value bets for day one.
1.45 Aintree - 2m4f (Mildmay) EBC Group Manifesto Novices' Chase (Grade 1) (Class 1) (5yo+)
It’s a wide-open start to day one, and a chance could be taken on Gidleigh Park, who bolted up in a valuable heat at Windsor when last seen.
He impressed with his jumping that day and Caldwell Potter, who chased him home, did plenty for the form when bolting up at the Cheltenham Festival last month.
Selection: Gidleigh Park @ 9/2
2.20 Aintree - 2m1f Boodles Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 1) (Class 1) (4yo)
Plenty in with claims but Willy De Houelle gets the tentative vote for the Willie Mullins team.
He possibly didn’t handle the track at Cheltenham last time, but he had been giving the impression that he might be capable of a big performance in graded company in Ireland, so if he learns to settle, he can outrun his big odds.
Selection: Willy De Houelle @ 14/1
2.55 Aintree - 3m1f (Mildmay) Brooklands Golden Miller Chronograph Bowl Chase (Grade 1) (Class 1) (5yo+)
This race could set up nicely for Spillane’s Tower. He landed two Grade 1s towards the back end of last term and was only narrowly denied in this season’s return by Fact To File.
That form couldn’t be working out much better and while he wasn’t suited by Kempton’s tight turns in the King George when last seen, this test should see him in a better light.
Selection: Spillane’s Tower @ 11/4
3.30 Aintree - 2m4f William Hill Aintree Hurdle (Grade 1) (Class 1) (4yo+)
Constitution Hill won’t get any better opportunities to put the record straight after his fall at the Cheltenham Festival, with his main rival, Brighterdaysahead, not declaring for this contest.
Lossiemouth is now his main challenge, but she’s done most of her winning against her own sex, and she’ll need a major chunk of improvement to overturn Nicky Henderson’s stable star.
Selection: Constitution Hill @ 4/5
4.05 Aintree - 2m5f (Grand National) Randox Foxhunters' Open Hunters' Chase (Class 2) (6yo+)
It’s easy to see why My Drogo has been popular in the market. This son of Milan followed up a point success with a Hunter Chase victory at Haydock last time and he was good value for the winning margin that day.
This distance and ground look ideal for him and while he’s having his first run over the National fences, there are many more positives than negatives with regards to his chance.
Selection: My Drogo @ 4/1
4.40 Aintree - 2m (Mildmay) Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (Class 1) (5yo+)
This is a competitive handicap but it could set up nicely for Gavin Cromwell’s contender, My Mate Mozzie.
They didn’t go quick enough for him at the Cheltenham Festival, but he ran with credit and it would appear that there’s plenty of pace for him to aim at in this contest.
Selection: My Mate Mozzie @ 9/2
5.15 Aintree - 2m1f Goffs Nickel Coin mares' Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (Grade 2) (Class 1) (4-6yo)
Paddy Twomey is better known for his Flat exploits in Ireland, but he has a cracking chance of landing the Grade 2 bumper that closes the card.
Seo Linn bolted up when well backed for a Listed bumper at Cheltenham prior to Christmas and she probably sets a decent enough standard on that effort.
Selection: Seo Linn @ 3/1
More Grand National Tips
Grand National Ladies Day Tips
Odds correct at time of publication but subject to fluctuation