Hi all,

Inside today’s main piece I’m delving into Day 2 of Aintree’s Grand National Festival.

Aintree Grand National Festival – Day 2

Apart from the testing ground I think today’s card is a perfect mix of four Grade 1 races and three big field handicaps including the Topham Chase over the Grand National fences. Even the four Grade 1 contests look like potential betting races, which makes this card for me the most competitive we’ve seen over jumps all season.

Just like Day 1, ITV Racing are covering five races live from Aintree.  In today’s preview I’ve looked at three of the Graded races.

1:45 – Huyton Asphalt Franny Blennerhassett Memorial Mildmay Novices' Chase (Grade 1) – 3m 1f

Sadly, the first race on the card the Grade 1 Mildmay Novices' Chase isn’t live on ITV which is a shame, despite just the six runners it’s a competitive contest.

Chianti Classico, with 3 wins in 4 fence runs, showcased impressive jumping and travelling in his Ultima Handicap Chase victory at Cheltenham.

Inothewayurthinkin validated his talent by winning the Kim Muir Handicap Chase at Cheltenham, proving his worth in Grade 1 contests and remaining untested as a staying chaser.

Iroko, last year’s Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle winner, debuted impressively over fences at Warwick in November. Despite a rusty return from injury at Cheltenham last time, he's expected to improve with a step up in distance.

Giovinco, despite long odds, finished a credible third in the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase at Cheltenham, demonstrating his suitability for heavy ground and stamina over three miles.

Heart Wood, a Listed Hurdle winner in France, boasts consistent form over fences since joining Henry De Bromhead, culminating in a valuable handicap chase success at the Dublin Racing Festival. He remains open to further improvement and has a chance if he stays.

2:55 – Trustatrader Top Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1) – 2m ½ f

Mystical Power, a winner of the Grade 2 Moscow Flyer Novices’ Hurdle, looked poised to win the Supreme at Cheltenham but was outstayed in the closing stages. The sharper two-mile distance today favours him, making him the top contender.

Golden Ace, second in last year's Mares’ Bumper here, landed the hat trick in the Cheltenham Festival Mares’ Novice Hurdle. Her impressive turn of foot last time puts her in contention, especially with the 7lb mares allowance.

Lump Sum won the Grade 2 Dovecote at Kempton last time, marking his third win in four hurdle starts. While facing a stronger field here, his ability on testing ground gives him each-ways claims if all eight stand their ground.

3:30 – My Pension Expert Melling Chase (Grade 1) – 2m 4f

Just seven runners, but the race remains a fiercely competitive contest.

Pic D'Orhy, last year's victor, has been targeted at this race all season. He got a good front-running ride to win the Grade 1 Ascot Chase showcased his ability but testing ground wouldn’t be a positive,

Jonbon a four-time Grade 1 winner over around two miles, steps up to 2m 4f for the first time and adds intrigue to the race. He’s a big contender for sure but there are lingering concerns about the yards form.

Protektorat, Envoi Allen, and Conflated dominated the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham, finishing first, second, and third, respectively. Protektorat's prowess over a strongly run 2m 4 ½ f could see him repeat his performance against the other two contenders, with Envoi Allen likely to struggle on the testing ground. A more aggressive ride from Conflated today could see him closing the gap on the winner.

Friday Selection:

Aintree

1:45 – Giovinco – 17/2 @Coral & Ladbrokes.

Good luck with your Aintree bets.

John