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Megan Nicholls Racing Preview: Aintree Grand National Festival Day 2 Tips

FRIDAY RACING TIPS

Aintree 1.45 – Mildmay Novices' Chase

This is a fascinating race with both Caldwell Potter (10/3) and Handstands (13/8 fav) looking like they’d ideally want a bit more cut in the ground.

Both also like to be ridden positively so it will be interesting to see who gets the lead – that could prove decisive.

The concern for Caldwell Potter is that he did run at Cheltenham and some horses don’t get over their excursions fully, whereas Handstands comes in here a fresh horse.

He did have a bit of a setback fairly recently, though, so that’s a little question mark against him.

It’s hard to split them, but I just lean with Caldwell Potter as he was so impressive last time out.

He does need to prove he stays this far, though Aintree is not a stiff track so I’m hopeful he’ll have the stamina for this three-mile test.

Megan’s Tips: Caldwell Potter WIN

Aintree 2.20 – Premier Handicap Hurdle

BetMGM is paying five places on this very competitive handicap each way and the one I like is Impose Toi (6/1).

He ran a cracker in the Coral Cup at Cheltenham last time in the first-time cheekpieces and those are retained. He probably bumped into the proverbial Group horse in a handicap that day so he’s got to be of interest off a four-pound higher mark.

You’d like to think there is a bit more improvement to come and I think he’s got a massive chance here.

Megan’s Tip: Impose Toi WIN

Aintree 2.55 – Top Novices' Hurdle

It could be an advantage for Tripoli Flyer (11/4) that he didn’t run at Cheltenham as he looks to have his ideal conditions here.

Sharp tracks and good ground have suited him and he’s impressed on his last three starts. It’s hard to know how strong that form is but he’s been impressive and has to be respected as a result.

Romeo Coolio (11/10 fav) has a lot of ability but had a very hard race in the Supreme at Cheltenham, and I wonder if that might just have left its mark.

Megan’s Tips: Tripoli Flyer WIN

Aintree 3.30 – Melling Chase

It’s a small field for the Grade One Melling Chase which is quite disappointing.

Jonbon (8/15) looks the right favourite and I expect him to win this.

For whatever reason, he just doesn’t seem to like Cheltenham and given the mistakes he made, he did very well to finish second in the BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase last time.

Back at Aintree, he’ll need to jump a lot better and El Fabiolo (7/2) is a talented rival but Jonbon likes these small-field races and he should be able to get back to winning ways here.

Megan’s Tip: Jonbon WIN

Aintree 4.05 – Topham Handicap Chase

BetMGM is paying six places on this race each way and, as is the case with the Topham every year, this looks a very tricky puzzle to solve.

You can make a case for loads in here and the one I’ve come down on is Henry de Bromhead’s Shantreusse (14/1).

He was going quite well in the race 12 months ago before a bad mistake five out cost him. Experience over these fences is always important and he has warmed up for another tilt at this contest with some solid performances, including a good second last time.

This has clearly been the target for some time and I think there might be a bit of improvement to come off a mark of 136.

The other to consider is Latenightpass (12/1).

He doesn’t stay the Grand National trip so I’m delighted to see connections come here instead. He ran a belter in the Cross Country last time, jumps, travels and I think he’s got a massive each-way chance.

Megan’s Tip: Shantreusse EW; Latenightpass EW

Aintree 4.40 – Sefton Novices' Hurdle

I like Jacob’s Ladder (5/1) here, who I think will appreciate the step up in trip to three miles.

He’s taken well to hurdling and, while his form over obstacles is on a softer surface, he won a good ground bumper so I’m not concerned by conditions.

You have to respect Califet En Vol (4/1). He’s a beautiful horse but I wonder if he might just lack a gear at a track like Aintree and others might just have a bit too much pace for him.

He will stay and is a very worthy contender but I just prefer Jacob’s Ladder at this track.

Megan’s Tip: Jacob’s Ladder WIN

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Odds correct at time of publication but subject to fluctuation

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