2025-04-01

Megan Nicholls Racing Preview: Aintree Grand National Festival Day 1 Tips

THURSDAY RACING TIPS

Aintree 1.45 – Manifesto Novices' Chase

What a race to kick off the Grand National Festival!

I’m on the side of Jango Baie (9/4 fav), who I’m hoping can back up that win in the Arkle back up in trip on good ground.

His form throughout the year has been very good and he gets his ideal conditions here.

Jango Baie showed in the Arkle he’ll have no problems with this extra half-mile and the fact Aintree is a sharp track won’t be an issue either.

He looks the one they’ve all got to beat.

I also think Rubaud (10/1) will outrun his odds.

He was flat at Kempton so ignore that run – I expect to see a much better performance on ground he’ll love. He’s tough and will run well.

Megan’s Tips: Jango Baie WIN; Rubaud EW

Aintree 2.20 – 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle

Puturhandstogether (5/2 fav) is a worthy favourite and is the one to beat having been very impressive in the Fred Winter at Cheltenham.

He’s got that Flat speed and he handled the occasion well at Cheltenham so I’m not worried about him around Aintree.

He’s up in Grade but has earned it and looks like a solid market leader.

I bought Filibustering (14/1) for connections and ride him every day. We were delighted with his win at Kelso and his work since has been fantastic.

He could be a big player at a big price.

Megan’s Tip: Puturhandstogether WIN; Filibustering EW

Aintree 2.55 – Bowl Chase

I like Spillane’s Tower (11/4) here.

Ultimately he ran no race in the King George at Kempton but he’s been freshened up since and it clearly wasn’t his true running.

Prior to that he was viewed as being one of the leading staying chasers and he’s unexposed in this sphere.

There could be loads more to come and he’s got a good record fresh.

Megan’s Tips: Spillane’s Tower WIN

Aintree 3.30 – Aintree Hurdle

It’s fantastic that both Constitution Hill (8/11 fav) and Lossiemouth (7/4) are taking each other on again.

Look, jumping is the name of the game and both have fallen this season so both haven’t been bombproof.

I do think 2m 4f is Lossiemouth’s distance and, while Constitution Hill has won this race previously, I’m not sure he’s quite as good over this intermediate trip.

I love Constitution Hill but I’m really torn here as – bar the ground, which could be a bit lively for Lossiemouth – she has a lot going for her.

I’ll stick with Constitution Hill as I’ve been with him all season… but I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if Lossiemouth beat him.

Megan’s Tip: Constitution Hill WIN

Aintree 4.05 – Foxhunters' Open Hunters' Chase

BetMGM is paying five places on this race each way but I do think My Drogo (7/2 fav) is the right favourite.

He was a Grade One winner over hurdles at this track when trained by Dan Skelton. Injuries got in the way and stopped his progression as many thought he’d go right to the top.

A switch to point-to-points has breathed new life into him and I thought it was interesting that Will Biddick has chosen him over some other leading contenders.

Megan’s Tip: My Drogo WIN

Aintree 4.40 – Red Rum Handicap Chase

BetMGM is again paying five places on this race each way – and you might just need them!

Gavin Cromwell is a master in these big handicaps and I’m keen on his My Mate Mozzie (9/2 fav).

He hasn’t run at Aintree before but has gone well at sharp tracks before. He never really runs a bad race and conditions should suit him a little better than Cheltenham last time, where he just failed to fully see out the trip up the hill.

This flatter track should suit him better. With a good pace likely, he should go really well.

Megan’s Tip: My Mate Mozzie WIN