Aintree Day 1 Tips: @RoadCheltenham Gives His Aintree Thoughts For Thursday

The Grand National meeting at Aintree is always one of the highlights of the jumps season. There’s less pressure than at the Cheltenham Festival and the pilgrimage to Merseyside has always been more for the social side of life.

Having said that, it could be one of the strongest and most competitive Aintree Grand National Festivals for many years and we should be in for an exciting few days. Here, I take a look at all seven races on Day 1...

13:45 Aintree - Manifesto Novices' Chase

Five horses go to post for the opening race of the meeting and three are clear of the rest on ratings. GREY DAWNING, winner of the Turners Novices Chase, takes on GINNY’S DESTINY for the third time this season and I’d be siding with the former to confirm Cheltenham form.

However, I do quite like IL ETAIT TEMPS as he steps up in trip. He was just a few lengths adrift of subsequent Arkle winner Gaelic Warrior when finishing second at Limerick in December and a return to 2m4f should suit – especially on a flat track. He has a superb record at Leopardstown and Aintree has a similar configuration.

14:20 Aintree - Anniversary 4 Year Old Hurdle

I was shocked to see Willie Mullins declare KARGESE for this as I assumed she would be kept for Punchestown but she is an obvious contender on all known form. She looked like the winner for a long way at Cheltenham but was outstayed in tough conditions and the Aintree flat track looks sure to suit her.

Paul Townend may struggle to get her settled in such a small field and I’m sticking with SIR GINO to prevail. For me, he is the classiest horse in the race and I’ll be putting my faith in the Nicky Henderson yard to bounce back after a torrid spring. He was a short price for the Triumph before his withdrawal and he is my choice here.

14:55 Aintree - William Hill Bowl Chase

CORBETTS CROSS is the fly in the ointment here, with the genius Emmet Mullins opting to throw the National Hunt Chase winner in the deep end. He’s raced exclusively in novice company thus far but he is a fascinating runner and it may tell us whether he’ll be aimed at the Grand National or the Cheltenham Gold Cup next season.

As previously mentioned, the Henderson yard has struggled this year but if SHISHKIN turns up at the top of his game then he could be the one to beat. I was hugely impressed with GERRI COLOMBE at Cheltenham but that run may have left its mark and Shishkin can make it back-to-back wins in this race.

15:30 Aintree - Aintree Hurdle

This could be the best hurdle race of the entire meeting and I’m hoping the step back up in trip brings the best out of IMPAIRE ET PASSE. I thought he was a potential superstar when he won at Cheltenham last season but he has disappointed this season – failing to lay a glove on State Man in two attempts.

Meanwhile, BOB OLINGER appears to have regained his best form and it was fantastic to see him win the Grade 2 at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day. I have a soft spot for this horse and there would be some atmosphere in the ring after the race if he gets his head in front.

16:05 Aintree -  Aintree Hunters Chase

Antepost favourite Famous Clermont was not declared for Thursday’s race on account of the ground and the race looks wide open. I’m not entirely convinced that IT’S ON THE LINE wants to step down in trip and he isn’t the easiest ride in the world while ANNAMIX isn’t getting any younger.

Instead, I’m looking towards one of the new kids on the block and I fancy Emmet Mullins has found a reasonable opportunity for ROMEO MAGICO to get his head in front. He has the speed to win over 2m3f and the stamina to win over 3m, he is versatile with regards to the ground and he’ll be seeing my each way money.

16:40 Aintree - Red Rum Handicap Chase

I like PATH D’OROUX here. He’s been cleverly campaigned by Gavin Cromwell, running no sort of race going right handed but his form at left handed tracks is very good and he has a 6lbs swing at the weights with Grand Annual winner Unexpected Party. I’d say the Irish raider has a solid chance of reversing the form.

HELTENHAM, trained by Dan Skelton, is a progressive type and he fits the yard’s mould for a big handicap prize. He has significantly improved this season but I’m not usually a fan of runners with a quick turnaround. With just 19 days to recover since winning at Newbury, can he defy a career high mark of 142? I wouldn’t rule it out.

17:15 Aintree - Aintree Mares' Bumper

BABY KATE was a late non-runner at the Dublin Racing Festival and I’d like to think she has a great chance in this. The second, third and fifth from her Cheltenham success in November have all gone on to win over hurdles while the fourth has placed in two Listed mares bumpers.

Of the others, I like HONKY TONK HIGHWAY as a prospect. A £165,000 purchase at the Tattersalls Cheltenham Sale in November, she finished ahead of Market Rasen Listed bumper winner DIVA LUNA in her point-to-point and she should relish the soft ground.