AINTREE GRAND NATIONAL MEETING - DAY 1 (THURSDAY)

The team preview all the action from the opening day of Aintree's Grand National meeting this Thursday. 13:45 AINTREE

Jango Baie comes here of his Arkle win where he looked like he could do with going up in trip. Which although he does get here i think his win last time out was fortunate due to the favourite making a number of jumping errors which ultimately cost him.

Much talk has been made of the 3 week gap between the Cheltenham festival and Aintree Festival last year 13 winners out of the 21 races at Aintree were won by horses who had not ran at Cheltenham. Which again puts me off Jango Baie and id rather look for the horse that comes here with the fresher angle.

Rubaud is another who looks like he needs further so not sure this trip will suit. Gidleigh Park ran really well at Windsor and for a place bet I wouldn't put you off as I'm sure he has a great each way chance.

I do fancy Willie Mullins Impaire Et Passe who would be my selection. Has won at this course before so you haven't got the worry of course form. They go for the cheekpieces for the first time. Which I think is a positive move given Willie Mullins must of liked what he seen when on the gallops where I assume he would of schooled with them on. Hasn't ran at Cheltenham so I youd like to think this was the plan in mind. Has a massive chance wouldn't be surprised if he's backed into Favoritism 

IMPAIRE ET PASSE (WIN) written by Luke Tucker

14:20 AINTREE

The JP McManus owned Puturhandstogehter looks set to go off the clear favourite after claiming success at the Cheltenham Festival last month. He did so in impressive fashion and hopefully that race hasn't left any battle scars. Although there's some clearly talented horses also in the race it's not a patch on the level of opposition he defeated at 'Jumps HQ'.

Willie Mullins' Murcia should go better this time around and the unbeaten Live Conti and Filibustering shouldn't be far away.

Maybe at a price Aviemore may out run his odds but it's all about the Mark Walsh ridden favourite.

PUTURHANDSTOGETHER (WIN)

written by Kurtis Gillespie

14:55 AINTREE

Grey Dawning and Spillane’s Tower bypassed Cheltenham for this event having both disappointed in the King George after excellent comebacks and both have potential to improve past more exposed opponents. The latter has a question mark over the ground here that tempers enthusiasm. Grey Dawning could well confirm his reputation as a top-class 3m+ chaser for next season but will be short enough on current achievements.

Ahoy Senor enjoys Aintree and the spring and showed improved signs in the Gold Cup despite jumping right again, he is a sporting each-way bet if granted his own way in front having finished 2nd in this race for the last two years

AHOY SENOR (E/W)

written by Alan Morris

15:30 AINTREE

Constitution Hill won this race in 2023, the only other time he’s raced over two and a half miles, yet despite a stellar career this time around he arrives here after an uncharacteristic fall in the Champion Hurdle three weeks ago and with the super impressive Mares Hurdle winner Lossiemouth, who is arguably at her best over this trip, a confirmed challenger it promises to be a mouthwatering clash. Trainer Willie Mullins doesn’t always send such a big contingent to Aintree but did win this in 2016 with Annie Power and also last season with Impaire Et Passe so in receipt of the mares allowance I think Lossiemouth could just have the edge.

LOSSIEMOUTH (WIN)

written by Dean Kilbryde

16:05 AINTREE

Willitgoahead is bound to be popular after his excellent third at Cheltenham, however there’s a distinct possibility that this trip on the ground, might be sharp enough for him.

My Drogo will certainly enjoy the ground, and it’s easy to see him travel well for a long way, along with ex grade one placed Lifetime Ambition

.

Two horses look set to run well are course regular Percussion, who could negotiate these fences blindfold, and the unexposed Joker De Mai, who is open to any amount of improvement.

PERCUSSION (E/W)

JOKER DE MAI (E/W)

written by Matt Polley

16:40 AINTREE

Quite a few of these have questions to answer, including Sans Bruit who won here last season. Hailing from the Paul Nicholls yard, his performances this season have been too bad to be true though he still required a leap of faith.

Primoz was heavily backed at Cheltenham but lost all chance after at the start, that run can easily be overlooked and he would be interesting if the money came again.

My Mate Mozzie is generally consistent and he ought to go well, despite that he looks a weak favourite and is taken on for win purposes.

Petit Tonnerre has two ways of going though he was unlucky last time, he will relish the likely strong pace and is suggested in an open looking heat.

PETIT TONNERRE (E/W)

written by Chris Connolly

17:15 AINTREE

A tricky affair. Seo Linn was highly impressive at Cheltenham and she could have a higher ceiling than most in this. Charisma Cat is very unlucky not to be unbeaten and she could have more to offer as well. Roses All The Way is consistent, and her form ties in with a few in this. She could be there at the end. However, Jackie Hobbs looks to be smart. Unbeaten in three and her Ascot victory was as easy as you like, made even more taking by how she was conceding weight. She could be potentially smart.

JACKIE HOBBS (WIN)

ROSES ALL THE WAY (E/W)

written by Kieran McHugh