Aintree’s Grand National Festival – Day 1

Hi all,

A quick dive into day one of the Aintree Grand National Festival

Aintree

Aintree’s Grand National Festival kicks off with top-class action, headlined by the Grade 1 William Hill Aintree Hurdle (3:30) featuring Constitution Hill vs. Lossiemouth. Other key races include the Brooklands Golden Miller Chronograph Bowl Chase (2:55), the Boodles Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle (2:20), and the EBC Group Manifesto Novices' Chase (1:45). ITV Racing covers six of the seven races live.

1:45 – EBC Group Manifesto Novices' Chase (Grade 1) – 2m 4f

A highly competitive Grade 1 with nine runners.

Jango Baie – Arkle winner at Cheltenham. Step up in trip a big plus. The one to beat (11/4).

Impaire Et Passe – Former Aintree Hurdle winner, flopped last time but cheekpieces could help.

Croke Park – Unbeaten in first three chase starts. Skipped Cheltenham for this. Good jumper.

Gidleigh Park – Grade 2 Lightning (2m) winner. Missed Cheltenham, should improve over this trip.

Rubaud – Consistent and tough, just below top level over hurdles. 12/1 looks fair.

2:20 – Boodles Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 1) – 2m 1f

Wide open with Lulamba missing. Not one of the first six in the Triumph Hurdle are in the line-up which is unusual.

Puturhandstogether – Fred Winter winner, ground suits. Up in class but strong claims.

Naturally Nimble – Leopardstown Grade 2 fourth last time. Should enjoy this track.

Live Conti – Well-backed after recent Wetherby win. Open to plenty of improvement.

Filibustering – Easy Kelso winner. Faces a big jump in class but progressive.

2:55 – Brooklands Golden Miller Chronograph Bowl Chase (Grade 1) – 3m 1f

Top-class chasers clash.

Grey Dawning – Kelso winner last time. Cheltenham Festival Novice Chase winner last season. Big player.

Spillane's Tower – Dual Grade 1 winner last Spring. Poor in King George last time, but should be favourite.

Gaelic Warrior – Arkle winner last year. No doubting his ability on a going day. Hard to trust, but step up in trip could help.

Ahoy Senor – Loves Aintree! Runner-up in last two running’s of the race. Dangerous if jumping holds.

Stage Star – Bounced back to form last time. Trainer has a good record in the race,

3:30 – William Hill Aintree Hurdle (Grade 1) – 2m 4f

Constitution Hill vs. Lossiemouth – the big clash!

Constitution Hill – Former Champion Hurdler, unbeaten before Champion Hurdle fall last time. Remains the class act.

Lossiemouth – Multiple Grade 1 winner, bypassed the Champion Hurdle to retain Mares’ Hurdle crown last time. Gets 7lb weight concession and trip suits perfectly.

Wodhooh – Unbeaten in seven starts over hurdles, impressed when winning the Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham last month. Big step up in class, but progressive and could run a big race.

Could there be an upset?

4:05 – Randox Foxhunters' Open Hunters' Chase (Class 2) – 2m 5f

The first race over the National fences, featuring 30 runners.

Lifetime Ambition – Thriving in points, runner-up at Punchestown last year.

My Drogo – Former classy novice, has taken well to points/hunter chases since switching yards.

Willitgoahead – 3rd in Cheltenham Hunter Chase last time, drop in trip threatens to suit.

Famous Clermont – Won this in 2023, didn’t stay 3m at the Punchestown Festival last spring. Warmed up for this with a point win 19 days ago.

Milan Forth – 2-2 in hunter chases, lacks experience but improving.

4:40 – Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) – 2m

A competitive handicap chase.

My Mate Mozzie – Grand Annual fourth, on a good mark and flatter track should suit.

Primoz – Jumped well to win at Kelso two starts back, better than last run suggests.

Sans Bruit – Won this last year, can go well again.

Rath Gaul Hill – Progressive two-mile handicap chaser, but this is a step up in class.

5:15 – Goffs Nickel Coin Mares' Standard Open NH Flat Race (Grade 2) – 2m 1f

Competitive mares’ bumper to conclude the day 1 action.

Charisma Cat – Listed winner at Sandown last time, form pick.

Seo Linn – Irish raider, Cheltenham Listed winner last time likes a sound surface.

Betty’s Daisy – Winning debut at Warwick, yard won this last year.

Strong Run / Highland Haven / Blue Betty – Fergal O’Brien trio – Blue Betty might be the best prove the best of the three.

Summary

Day 1 at Aintree brings top-class clashes, with Constitution Hill facing Lossiemouth in the Aintree Hurdle. The Manifesto Novices' Chase (1:45) looks highly competitive, while the Foxhunters’ (4:05) over the National fences should be thrilling. Plenty of betting angles throughout! I have actually ended up with a bet in all seven races which doesn't often happen.

Good luck with your Thursday bets.

John