Aintree Grand National Meeting: Day 2 Tips
There's another top-class day of action at Aintree on Friday afternoon with four Grade 1 contests on the card.
The Topham also features on a cracking seven-race programme and we have picked out selections for all seven races including a course specialist that could go well.
13:45 Aintree - 2m4f Handicap Hurdle
Plenty in with claims in a competitive opener but the one that makes most appeal is Act Of Authority.
He's a standing dish in these competitive handicap hurdles and was better than his finishing position in the Martin Pipe last month when given too much to do from rear.
Selection: Act Of Authority
14:20 Aintree - Mildmay Novices' Chase
This doesn't look like the strongest race for the grade and perhaps a good opportunity for Salver to gain a first Grade 1 success.
Nothing went right for him when only beaten three lengths in the Brown Advisory and that effort sets the standard on form.
Selection: Salver
14:55 Aintree - Top Novices' Hurdle
Sober Glory is likely to be a tough nut to crack in this contest having finished runner-up in the Supreme last time.
He was arguably unlucky not to win that contest having made a costly mistake at the last and a repeat of that run ought to be good enough to land this lesser contest.
Selection: Sober Glory
15:30 Aintree - Melling Chase
Gidleigh Park was probably unsuited by a drop in trip at Ascot last time out and he previously had some top-class form over this sort of trip on his previous two starts.
That includes a narrow defeat to Impaire Et Passe over course and distance at this meeting last year and a return to quicker ground is also going to suit.
Selection: Gidleigh Park
16:05 Aintree - Topham Handicap Chase
This is the most competitive race on the card with a chance taken on O'Moore Park for Willie Mullins who has won three of the last six renewals.
O’Moore Park ran respectably despite not much going right in the Plate at Cheltenham last time and he appeals as the type to take to the National fences.
Selection: O'Moore Park
16:40 Aintree - Novices' Hurdle
No Drama This End had no chance from rear at Cheltenham in the Turners and he’s much better judged on his impressive Challow success at Newbury over Christmas. The step up in trip is a potential source of improvement and we know he'll love the ground.
Selection: No Drama This End
17:15 Aintree - Handicap Hurdle
A talented rider is often worth their weight in gold in races confided to conditional and amateur jockeys and one that has made a highly promising start to his career is Jay Tidball, who takes the ride on Afadil.
Afadil was unlucky not to win at Musselburgh in January and his latest run can be forgiven when unsuited by a longer trip.
Selection: Afadil
Odds correct at time of publication but subject to fluctuation