THE THURSDAY CARD at the Randox Health Grand National Festival meeting is always a cracker, as there are four Grade 1s to start the three-day meeting off in tremendous style, with the Randox Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Chase over the Grand National fences to follow. Last weekend we had the Scottish Grand National at Ayr ahead of the Aintree Grand National for the first time in living memory to allow three weeks between the Cheltenham Festival and the Randox Grand National Festival. As a result we have some tremendous racing to enjoy.
In the Aintree Hurdle Epatante Unibet 7/4 for Unibet Ambassador Nicky Henderson would be a popular winner after her second in the Unibet Champion Hurdle. Whilst in the Foxhunters’, Activial is Unibet 66/1, and this once classy type is worth an each way wager.
Enjoy whether at Aintree or #athome watching on ITV or Racing TV.
Cheers
The Wine Tipster.
1.45 Aintree – SSS Super Alloys Manifesto Novices Chase Grade 1 (2m 4f)
War Lord has been mixing it with the best all season and there is lots to like about this genuine type. War Lord’s Arkle fourth behind Edwardstone, when getting momentarily outpaced around the home turn probably cost him a place and is the best form in the race.
His three victories this season from five starts include his Lingfield success when beating Falvoir. He is ground versatile and will come out on top here.
Unibet 5/2 win
2.20 Aintree – Jewson Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle Grade 1 (2m 1f)
Brazil can take on Pied Piper and make it a three timer after victories at Naas and Cheltenham. At Cheltenham Brazil was the only one that could go with the heavily fancied Gaelic Warrior to take the Boodles Juvenile Hurdle. He is a strikingly big individual and he can improve once again.
Unibet 2/1
2.55 Aintree – Bowl Chase Grade 1 (3m 1f)
Eldorado Allen tried to go with the mighty Allaho in the Ryanair and paid the price late when finishing third after losing second late on in what was a good performance. Eldorado Allen’s one go at 3m this year saw him beat Royale Pagaille at Newbury in good style, dispelling any stamina fears. Ground conditions will suit and he will go very well here.
Unibet 11/2
4.05 Aintree – Randox Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Chase (2m 5f)
Latenightpass was second last year and has been in great form in points this season. Last year he came round the home turn looking in a very strong position, after almost ran off at the Canal Turn, which cost him a lot of ground and energy. This time he looks sure to be delivered with a later challenge and if he hits the Elbow in front he can hang on for victory.
Unibet 4/1
Pont Aven didn’t stay the 3m2f of the Foxhunters last time but ran well to a point before he weakened to finish sixth. This trip and ground will suit him much more. Concentrate on his Punchestown Festival second last year to Foxy Jack’s (when with Willie Mullins) last year in the valuable Guinness Handicap to show you what he can do. He has a better chance than the market suggests.
Unibet 16/1 each way
4.40 Aintree – Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Chase (1m 7f)
Before Midnight (nap) from the Sam Thomas yard, who are having a fantastic season, has been progressing well this term. He is originally tipped up in this column for the Grand Annual at Cheltenham, however, was a non-runner due to the conditions. Before Midnight’s Cheltenham victory last October, beating last year’s Grand Annual winner Sky Pirate (reopposes here) was visually impressive and he then followed up at Ascot by beating Amoola Gold in November. On his last start at Doncaster he finished a very good second to Funambule Sivola (second in the Champion Chase). This is only his fifth start of the season and he has a strong chance.
