There is concern that the going may be a bit fast with the warm weather going into the Aintree Festival. There has been heavy watering on good/good to soft ground (as of Tuesday). However, the rain prospects are 63% Thursday morning, 63% Friday and 55% Saturday so it could get a bit messy. That said, my prediction is good to soft throughout.
13:45 Boodles 4yo Juvenile Hurdle Grade 1 2m4f
This is a great race to get things under way and, unsuprisingly, the reference is the Triumph. Maestro Conti was second, Minella Study third and Selma De Vary fourth. The second and third had straight runs and Selma De Vary was hampered so it’s no surprise to see the latter as favourite for this. Minella Study comes from a small yard and it would be great to see him win but I think that he’s just below top ranking. Maestro Conti was unbeaten going into the Triumph and is a fine horse. Just on balance, I’m going with the filly Selma De Vary (11/4f) who surprised connections when coming second at the DRF (beating Mange Tout) and may have more improvement to come.
14:20 Manifesto Novices’ Chase Grade 1 2m1f
I like Mambonumberfive (16/1) who missed the Cheltenham Festival. However, this is surely between Lulamba (4/7f), third in the Arkle and likely better over this trip and Koktail Divin (11/4), sixth over too far in the Brown Advisory, with the former very likely to prevail.
14:55 Aintree Bowl Chase Grade 1 3m1f
Jango Baie (evensf) was a fine second in the Gold Cup, but how much has that taken out of him? He was fourth in that close finish in the King George and third here behind Impaire Et Passe and Gidleigh Park in the Manifesto Novices’ Chase here last year. Impaire Et Passe (4/1) was in rear and pulled up in the Ryanair. Although in and out he’s a fine horse and I think that he might just prevail here if on a going day.
15:30 Foxhunters’ Chase 2m5f
It’s very hard to oppose Barton Snow (11/4f), who beat Its On The Line in the Cheltenham Hunters’ Chase and is on a six-timer. However, I’m going to with Lets Go Champ (12/1) for Margaret Mullins and Sophie Carter. He beat Hunters Yarn at Gowran and Stuzzikini in his last two outings, having previously been third in the Paddy Power Gold Cup. He had a four year gap between 2019 and 2023 so is a “young” 11yo (previously with Henry de Bromhead).
16:05 Aintree Hurdle Grade 1 2m4f
It’s great that this race is on Thursday and is the fourth Grade 1 of the day! I’m going to stick with Brighterdaysahead (2/1jf) to beat The New Lion (2/1jf) again after their second and third behind Lossiemouth in the Champion Hurdle. Potters Charm (14/1) missed Cheltenham but I don’t think that he’s quite up to the standard set by the market leaders. I’ve loved Il Fabiolo (6/1) but I think that the fifth of five in the Irish Champion Hurdle is representative of his chance.
16:40 Red Rum Handicap Chase 2m
Sans Bruit (100/30f) has form of 66544 but it’s impossible to ignore that he’s won this for the last two years and I’m with him for the hat-trick. Timeform prefers Highlands Legacy (8/1) but I’m not a big fan of O’Neill horses (as will be apparent on Saturday). Inthepocket (13/2) does not have a great record but did take the Top Novices’ here in 2023, which is a long time ago, and the fall in the Grand Annual this year is more pertinent. The rest are not up to much so, at the price, this is my nap of the day.
17:15 Mares’ Bumper 2m1f
Well, take your pick! The Timeform selection is Princess Day and she’s also the 7/2f. Nan’s Choice (6/1) was a reasonably expensive purchase for the Skeltons but we know where that road can lead. Ti’mamzel (7/1) was a decent winner for the Moores at Sandown and they have to be respected in races of this nature. I’ll leave it to you and the market, about two minutes before the off. Unnamed favourite?
Good luck!
Leave a Reply