2.20pm Aintree

Lulamba

Although he ran respectably in third, things clearly didn’t pan out ideally for him in the Arkle and hopefully he will put up a complete display here. Certainly, the form of his earlier successes at Exeter, Sandown and Newbury  – he was particularly good when winning the Game Spirit – makes him the one to beat here. The step up in trip could easily be a big positive, too. In fact, we think it will be.

2.55pm Aintree

Jango Baie

He meets four serious rivals here but, once again, I think he is just about the one to beat if bringing his A-game to the party. His third at this meeting last year, after winning the Arkle, was better than it looked as he picked up an injury that day and he has run to a very high level on all three starts this season. He clearly bumped into a horse at the peak of his powers when second to Gaelic Warrior in the Gold Cup – the winner is now rated 176 – and everything looks set for him to reproduce that effort here. It won’t be easy given the calibre of the opposition, but of course we are hopeful.

4.05pm Aintree

Lucky Place

He didn’t run up to his best in the old Coral Cup last time but he is not out of this in a race in which you can make a case for all seven runners. Of course, he needs to improve a fair deal but 2m4f around here on decent ground will suit him, I think.

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