Aintree Grand National Meeting: Day 1 Tips
Aintree’s Grand National meeting begins on Thursday with a top-class card featuring four Grade 1 contests.
Ahoy Senor will attempt to improve his fantastic record in the Aintree Bowl but the Aintree Hurdle looks the standout race on day one as star duo Constitution Hill and Lossiemouth lock horns.
We have selections and analysis for all seven races on what promises to be a great day of racing in Liverpool.
1.45 Aintree - 2m4f EBC Group Manifesto Novices' Chase
Good jumping is the name of the game on the Mildmay course at Aintree, particularly in novice chases.
Croke Park excels in that department and has kept good company in Ireland this season.
Trained by Gordon Elliott, the seven-year-old sets a solid standard in the opening Manifesto Novices' Chase and could be difficult to peg back if he is allowed an uncontested lead.
Selection: Croke Park
2.20 Aintree - 2m1f Boodles Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle
Puturhandstogether could be a tough nut to crack in the Grade 1 Juvenile Hurdle after an authoritative success at last month's Cheltenham Festival.
A strong traveller, the four-year-old could be even better suited by a flat track and the way he powered up the Cheltenham hill in the Fred Winter suggested he has plenty more to offer.
Selection: Puturhandstogether
2.55 Aintree - 3m1f Brooklands Golden Miller Chronograph Bowl Chase
Eight have declared for the feature chase of the day and, given that the majority of the field like to get on with things, hold-up performer Spillane’s Tower makes plenty of appeal.
The seven-year-old skipped Cheltenham last month unlike many of his rivals, so he arrives fresh, and he showed at the end of last season that this sort of trip on decent ground is an ideal combination.
Selection: Spillane’s Tower
3.30 Aintree - 2m4f Aintree Hurdle
Lossiemouth was a facile winner of the Mares' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival last month but she was no match for 2023 Champion Hurdle winner Constitution Hill at Kempton on Boxing Day.
She’ll need to take a big step up if she’s going to turn the tables on Nicky Henderson's stable star, provided he puts in a clear round after falling in last month's Champion Hurdle.
Selection: Constitution Hill
4.05 Aintree - 2m5f Randox Foxhunters' Open Hunters' Chase
Form over the Grand National fences is often a bonus in this race and Annamix could be a spot of value at decent odds.
His recent form is nothing to write home about, but the veteran gelding is trained by the masterful Willie Mullins and a return to the National course may help spark a revival.
Selection: Annamix
4.40 Aintree - 2m Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Chase
The Folkes Tiara may have been underestimated in the market for the sole handicap on Thursday’s card.
He began his season with a win at Fairyhouse in November before just being touched off at Leopardstown over Christmas. The form of that race has worked out well and conditions should be in his favour.
Selection: The Folkes Tiara
5.15 Aintree - 2m1f Goffs Nickel Coin Mares' Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race
Kapability might be worth taking a chance on in the day-one finale.
Anthony Honeyball’s mare won over course and distance on debut before finishing fourth at Huntingdon last time. She was far too keen on that occasion but a big field should help her settle better this time around.
Her in-form trainer is no stranger to success and Kapability could go well at decent odds.
Selection: Kapability
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Odds correct at time of publication but subject to fluctuation