1:45 – EFT Systems Maghull Novices Chase (Grade 1)
Jonbon sets the standard following his 2nd placed finish in the Arkle last month behind El Fabiolo. He was outclassed on that occasion but was still clear of Saint Roi in 3rd and after winning here over hurdles 12-months ago, he should win, albeit at a prohibitive price. If there is some value in the market it may come in an each-way bet on NOTLONGTILMAY. He finished 2nd to Stage Star in the Turners at the Cheltenham festival and briefly threatened the winner when he hit the front after 3 out. He perhaps didn’t quite manage to get home up the Cheltenham hill and the drop to 2-miles at Aintree could really suit Laura Morgans charge.
2:25 – Village Hotels Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap)
The Lanzarote hurdle at Kempton in January was a particularly grueling affair (only 4 of the 20-runners finished the course) so it is no surprise that WEST BALBOA has been given a lot of time to recover from that winning effort. The Skelton’s won this race in 2019 with Aux Ptits Sons and they look to have a other great chance with this daughter of Yeats. She has been raised 6lbs for her win at Kempton but remains unexposed after just 4 starts over hurdles and with a nice riding weight of 11-2, she should remain competitive.
3:00 – Turners Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1)
You Wear It Well was an impressive winner of the mares’ novices’ hurdle at the Cheltenham festival and in receipt of 7lbs, she must be respected. This is a much deeper race however and having run 5 times already this season, it will be quite an effort if she is to repeat those heroics here. Instead, we will take a chance on SPRINGWELL BAY. A promising novice in the autumn, he has returned from a mid-season break to win impressively at Ascot and Wetherby. This represents a big step up in class, he travels strongly in his race and should be suited by the big field.
3:35 – JRL Group Liverpool Hurdle (Grade 1)
Several of these had a hard race in the Stayers hurdle at the Cheltenham festival and it is hard to take that form on trust given the way the race panned out and the testing conditions. This race is likely to be quite different and it might pay to look away from the Cheltenham form, which brings CHAMP into the equation. He won over this course and distance as a Novice in 2019 and has a decent record when fresh, so his absence since Boxing Day shouldn’t be any concern. His best form has always come left-handed and the Long Walk hurdle switching to Kempton on Boxing Day would not have played to his strengths. On his day he is a capable horse in this type of race and with a strong pace to track almost guaranteed, he is a decent each-way selection.
4:15 – The William Hill Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap)
ELDORADO ALLEN has spent most of this season running in graded company and the drop in class could be just what he needs to get his back in front. He was never able to land a blow in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, but prior to that he had chased home Bravemansgame at Wetherby in the Charlie Hall and finished 2nd to Protektorat in the Betfair Chase at Haydock. He hasn’t run in Handicap company since winning the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter in 2021, but the handicapper has given him a chance by dropping him a few pounds and with a decent pace to follow, he should appreciate this easier task.
6:20 – The Weatherbys NHStallions.co.uk Standard Open NHF Race (Grade 2)
he Aintree festival concludes with a very difficult bumper. Captain Cody was 6th in the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham, but it will be disappointing if there isn’t a horse with more ability than him in this field. ASLUKGOES has won 3 times in this sphere, and he beat several horses with solid winning form in the Listed Bumper on Betfair hurdle day at Newbury in February. That was his first start since August, but he travelled extremely well in the testing conditions and was always holding on once he hit the front. He looks an exciting prospect and should be able to put his experience to good use.
