Its Aintree Grand National Day and we are previewing all of the main races including the big race itself, giving you our thoughts on who will win the Grand National.
Race 2 – Mersey Novices‘ Hurdle
Apart from the Grand National, this could be the race of the week. My Drogo is one of the most exciting Novices’ in training and should benefit from missing the Cheltenham Festival. He’s been so impressive in all his runs, winning well last time and should confirm that promise and land a first Grade 1.
Should he fail, Ballyadam is the most likely winner having finished 2nd in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham. The worry would be he had a hard race and may not be at his best because of that.
There would be no more popular winner than Minella Drama for trainer Donald McCain, a name so synonymous with the Grand National. He could certainly get involved and the form of his last run is very good. This is a big step-up in class and he’ll probably find one too good.
Race 3 – Maghull Novices‘ Chase
As long as he completes the race there can only be one winner of this and that’s Shishkin. He is clearly the best horse in the race, a superstar and potentially a future Great.
Elvis Mail is our selection to finish 2nd.
Race 4 – Stayers Hurdle (Registered As The Liverpool Hurdle)
Thyme Hill was unfortunate to miss the Stayers’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival but can make up for that by winning this. He facies Paisley Park for a 3rd time, with the score 1 – 1 between the pair. Paisley Park had a tough race at Cheltenham and for that reason we are siding with Thyme Hill.
With Irish horses being so dominant, Diol Ker comes into consideration. On ratings he has no chance but is still improving and was unlucky to not win a Grade 2 last time. His best form is in Heavy conditions so might things a bit quick.
Race 5 – GBB Handicap Chase
A competitive race where it’s difficult to rule out the chances of any of the runners. For that reason, we are going with an outsider with Mr Whipped who will be seen for the first time in 2 years. He was an exciting Novice for Nicky Henderson and makes his first appearance for Brian Ellison. If he has retained his form and is fit there is no reason why he can’t win this.
Race 6 – Aintree Grand National
It’s time for the World’s most famous race The Grand National with 40 runners taking on the famous Aintree fences.
Cloth Cap is your favourite, aiming to give his owner Trevor Hemmings an incredible 4th win in the race. He must have a great chance of winning, arriving here in the form of his life having claimed the Ladbrokes Trophy in October and the Kelso Premier Chase easily in his last two runs. The ground conditions will suit him perfectly but for such a competitive race, the odds are potentially too short.
Our main selection is Potters Corner who won the Virtual Grand National last year when the real race was unable to take place. He is certain to stay the marathon distance having previously won the Welsh and Midlands Nationals. His recent form hasn’t been great but he has been trained specifically for this race so wouldn’t be too concerned. The main negative is his best form is with softer conditions than he will experience here but it would be a surprise if he is out the places if he can complete the course.
At bigger prices there are two Irish horses who can continue the recent Irish domination on English soil.
The first of these is Anibale Fly. This will be his 3rd run in the race having finished 4th and 5th in 2018 and 2019. He’s only run once in the last 12 months where he probably underperformed but it would have put him spot on for this race. His main attribute is stamina and there is no reason he can’t place again.
The second is Chris’s Dream for the trainer Henry De Bromhead. The negative is he has a lot of weight to carry but he is a very classy individual and if he can put in a solid round of jumping and proves he stays the trip; he can cause a huge shock.
Selection – Potters Corner
