AINTREE GRAND NATIONAL MEETING - DAY 3 (SATURDAY)
- Racing Daily
- Apr 5
- 4 min read
It's GRAND NATIONAL DAY and the team have pulled together to preview all the action from the biggest day in the world of horse racing as we go through the entire card to give our best bets. 13:20 AINTREE
Bill Joyce has had an excellent season to date, winning his first two before travelling well for a long way in the Grade 1 Challow Hurdle at Newbury in December and again in the Grade 2 Classic Novices Hurdle at Cheltenham the following month, on both occasions impressing with how smoothly he moved and how clean he was over his hurdles, simply unable to go with the pace over the final couple of furlongs when the taps were turned. On that evidence, the extra distance looks sure to suit, and as such, he’s a confident selection to win the opener.
Jeriko Du Reponet and Catch Him Derry finished second and third in the Pertemps Final at Cheltenham and should go well again here, with Navajo Indy also considered for each-way purposes.
BILL JOYCE (WIN)
written by Dean Kilbryde
13:55 AINTREE
Horaces Pearl has a perfect record, and you can't knock what he has done so far. It would certainly have an each-way chance. Regents Stroll was all the hype at the start of the season, and it hasn't quite gone to plan so far. Would need to settle a lot better, which you hope with more racing he will.
I'd be prepared to give Funiculi Funicula another go at a massive price for some reason he just didn't run that well in the supreme. Can always forgive a horse after one bad run.
It's hard to get past Lulamba in this race who surprisingly opted for this race rather than a race on Thursday. He gets weight off all the other horses due to his age, which perhaps made Nicky Henderson opt for this race.
He was very unlucky not to win last time out in the triumph, and as long as he's taken that race well and the effort hasn't taken it out of him too much. Surely makes up for that today
LULAMBA (WIN)
written by Luke Tucker
14:30 AINTREE
This looks savage, and a whole host of them have claims. Doctor Ken has been very lightly raced in his career to date and there is something of a niggling doubt as to how robust he is as a result. Previously a course winner here and an eye-catching 2nd when last seen, he could be well handicapped and is a speculative selection for a handler who does well here.
Happygolucky ran a mighty race at Cheltenham and he has won this before. Well treated now, he must have claims for his shrewd yard. Le Milos isn't the force of old though he's still capable, he could go well for the Skelton's as could C&D winner Cruz Control.
Imperial Saint is consistent and represents a yard to be feared here, he might have been aimed at this and is feared above everything else but a chance will be taken on Happygolucky and the lightly raced Doctor Ken, who both represent decent value at the odds.
DOCTOR KEN (E/W)
HAPPYGOLUCKY (E/W)
written by Chris Connolly
15:05 AINTREE
Willie Mullins has had plenty of well-supported winners here this week with fresh horses surpassing their form, so, despite his inexperience and stepping up in trip, Kitzbuhel cannot be discounted.
Home By The Lea and The Wallpark have been comprehensively beaten by Teahupoo in recent times without strong reasons to overturn those defeats.
Strong Leader won a weaker version of this race last year and has had enough disappointments at the top grade despite liking Aintree.
Teahupoo is not quite the bombproof and dominant 3m stayer his usual odds and hype implies but finished well clear with Bob Olinger last time and is fresh and consistent and looks value for once.
Altobelli is given a sporting chance against some exposed stayers.
TEAHUPOO (WIN)
ALTOBELLI (E/W)
written by Alan Morris
17:00 AINTREE
Just the six runners are set to go to post for this Grade 1 contest but it looks competitive enough. With three hailing from the 'Emerald Isle' and the other half of the field flying the flag for home soil, it's going to be a hard-fought tussle.
L'Eau Du Sud and Only By Night finished close to pick up 2nd and 4th in the Arkle at the festival, and although you might be drawn to a horse who missed Cheltenham, this duo stand out head and shoulders above the rest.
There's been market support for Kalif Du Berlais but he's not matched what his nearest market rivals have done so far to date.
Perhaps somewhat of a copout, but L'Eau Du Sud and Only By Night look the standout selections so them to fill the first two places (in either order) looks the best option.
L'EAU DU SUD / ONLY BY NIGHT (REVERSE FORECAST)
written by Rory Paddock
17:35 AINTREE
El Cairos brings to the bumper the strongest form to date with an excellent staying on fifth in the Cheltenham Champion Bumper, he hit traffic problems that day so would've got much closer without that but this hold up horse could hit traffic problems again which is a big concern for this gelding.
Koktail Brut brings strong form when leading last time in a Leopardstown Grade 2 contest until the final furlong and this sharper track could play to his strengths.
Crackerjaque did the job nicely in a Class 2 bumper at Sandown and, being related to the classy Sam Brown, could get involved if handling this faster surface.
KOKTAIL BRUT (E/W)
CRACKERJAQUE (E/W)
written by Liam Hall
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