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THURSDAY
Check out our full race previews and tips for the opening day of the Aintree three day festival.
13:45
Not every horse goes on to do the Cheltenham Festival and Aintree double but current market leader Grey Dawning has the credentials to be one of the few that can achieve this feat. Last months Turners Novices' Chase winner looks the most likely to finish with his head in front again, especially in such a small field including horses he beat last time out. Ginny's Destiny finished right behind the favourite at Cheltenham and although he'll go close isn't taken to reverse the form and neither is Colonel Harry who filled the sixth spot at 'Jumps HQ'. The runner I fear most is the Mullins trained Il Etait Temps who could show improvement for this step up in trip but equally there's questions he has to answer for competing at the distance.
14:20
Unfortunately the unbeaten Nicky Henderson trained Sir Gino missed the festival but is touted to be a potential future superstar. If he's fit, ready and the yard are over their setbacks he'll be hard to pass.
Fellow unbeaten runner Kalif Du Berlais shouldn't be discounted all too readily however the form of his most recent victory doesn't look a patch on what Sir Gino has achieved to date.
Kargese receives a handy weight for sex allowance which could play a factor in seeing her produce a solid effort but it looks as if runners-up is the best she can achieve this Thursday.
14:55
Aside from any of the races over the national fences this looks perhaps the most competitive race of the entire three-day meeting. It's a star studded race where the majority of the top staying chasers are in the lineup (Aside from the Gold Cup winner Galopin Des Champs)
A trio of former course and distance winners make the lineup with last years race winner Shishkin hoping to retain his crown and former Mildmay Novices's Chase victors Gerri Colombe and Ahoy Senor looking to add to their Aintree winning tally.
Although he's never won at the Liverpool course before I'm going to opt for an alternative with Bravemansgame. Paul Nicholls charge wasn't far away in the Gold Cup and is taken to finish in the top three.
15:30
Six-year-old mare Luccia did far better than many expected when picking up third spot in the Champion Hurdle and with her trainer Nicky Henderson holding a fantastic record in this race she looks to be the best of the UK based contingent.
According to the betting it's a two horse race between Impaire Et Passe and Bob Olinger and it's hard to disagree however we're opting for an alternative bet with Luccia to claim a spot in the first four home.
16:05
The first of three races over the bigger obstacles sees yet another very competitive renewel of the Foxhunters Chase.
One of the biggest races in the amateur riders calendar.
It's On The Line looked likely to win at Cheltenham before falling short in the closing stages and connections are hoping he can go one better. As long as his Cheltenham run didn't take too much out of him he'll be close once again.
Fellow Irish runner Annamix avoided Cheltenham and hailing from the yard of Willie Mullins he'll play a major part if getting a clear run.
Despite being well into his veteran years Bennys King represents top trainer Dan Skelton and finished second in this race last year. If he's able to reproduce that performance he'll claim a spot nearer first than last.
Former Henry De Bromhead runner Spyglass Hill was going well before unseating over these fences back in November 2021. If his sole course start is anything to go by he should make any shortlist.
When looking at races of this nature it's worth looking to hunt for horses at bigger odds offering better value. As such the three runners that could outrun their odds are Tea Clipper, Lieutenant Rocco and Cat Tiger. The latter has a great course record having finished 3rd, 5th and 2nd in three course and distance starts. Tea Clipper is a consistent handicapper who, if finding some of his better form, could do far better than most predict. Jockey William Biddick is one of the best riders when it comes to these fences and as such his mount Lieutenant Rocco demands upmost respect.
16:40
French import Sans Bruit is yet to win in three starts for new trainer Paul Nicholls but he turned a corner when second at Chepstow on his sole UK chase start. Continuing to tackle fences may see him produce a similarly encouraging performance.
Of the remainder Cheltenham Festival winner Unexpected Party can go well once again.
17:15
With so many runners set to go to post you'd normally hunt for a horse at big odds to make the placings but it's hard to look past the likely betting favourite.
Baby Kate won a listed contest in convincing fashion at Cheltenham last time out and should be fresher having missed the festival.
The form of her latest victory looks strong with both the second and third going on to win since that performance.
Fellow listed race winner Honky Tonk Highway is also unbeaten and looks best of the rest.
If you were on the hunt for an each-way alternative I couldn't put any punters off Diva Luna who represents a yard who do well with their NHF contenders.
