The Grand National meeting begins on an action-packed Thursday. Aintree’s three-day spectacle kicks off with four straight Grade 1s, before its first race over the famous fences. There is therefore exhilarating racing from start to finish on Thursday, as Joe Napier tries to provide you some opening day winners with his four best bets…
1.45 Aintree – Ebc Group Manifesto Novices’ Chase (Grade 1)
He might not have been the easiest to keep completely sound, but GIDLEIGH PARK put up some performance on what was effectively his chase debut at Windsor last time out. Having pulled up on his first chasing start at Kempton after being found to have an irregular heartbeat, he made a taking comeback.
It was only a four-runner affair at Windsor, but he won in total command by four lengths. In second was Caldwell Potter, who readily won the new novices’ handicap at Cheltenham Festival off a mark of 147, so that form has been franked significantly already.
He takes on some tough rivals, but Jango Baie was fortunate to win the Arkle and Impaire Et Passe did not impress with his jumping last time. The potential is very much there with Gidleigh Park if he arrives soundly at Aintree.
2.20 Aintree – Boodles Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 1)
In the absence of Lulamba, there is a chance that Live Conti could be anything for Dan Skelton. However, in terms of proven form, PUTURHANDSTOGETHER possesses the most after hacking up in the Fred Winter at the Cheltenham Festival.
Joseph O’Brien had campaigned him very sensibly prior to Cheltenham, as he had not looked the best jumper in his initial three starts, one of which he won at Cork. However, he came alive at Prestbury Park, ultimately coasting to a six-length triumph off a mark of 130, making him easily the best horse in the race even taking into account the handicap.
He looks more than capable of stepping up to Grade 1 level now that he has that easy victory under his belt. After Poniros’s success in the Triumph Hurdle, it will be interesting to see how unraced former flat horses Coconut Grove and Terrorise get on here.
4.05 Aintree – Randox Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Chase
The Aintree hunter chase is getting younger in terms of its winners, which speaks well to the chances of WILLITGOAHEAD for Gordon Elliott. The last two winners of this contest have been beaten in Cheltenham’s hunter chase championship before running here, and the selection was third in that race last month.
Willitgoahead travelled notably well into that race only to fade late on. Stamina should not be an issue over this considerably shorter trip though, and he had won four of his previous five point-to-points and hunter chases prior to Cheltenham.
The seven-year-old may easily still improve for having joined Elliott’s yard and is the clear first choice. The year younger Milan Forth could be worth a cover as another unexposed type, with plenty of places likely on offer in this 30-strong field.
4.40 Aintree – Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Chase
Any revival from Sans Bruit would see him win this, because he was extremely impressive from the front 12 months ago. However, this season has been far from convincing throughout, while there are plenty of alternatives.
Primoz was notably well-backed before missing the start at Cheltenham, so could be forgiven, while Petit Tonnerre finally got the winning monkey off his back recently. All told, it is THE FOLKES TIARA who appeals most for Henry De Bromhead. The stable really hit form last April and Cheltenham successes for he and Rachael Blackmore suggest similar could be in the offing.
The selection here won at Fairyhouse to begin this season, then was short-headed at Leopardstown on Boxing Day. There was a blanket finish that day, but the winner came out and won by seven lengths next time out, while the third scored one race after as well. That form should be taken seriously, while he goes well fresh and on a sounder surface, so ticks many boxes.
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