Megan Nicholls Racing Preview: Aintree Grand National Meeting Day 1 Tips
THURSDAY RACING TIPS
Aintree 1.45 – 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle
Maestro Conti (3/1) is the one I like here.
He ran very well to finish second in the Triumph at Cheltenham and given the way he travels I think Aintree will suit him.
I expect him to finish ahead of Selma De Vary (5/2f) again and I was actually a bit surprised to see Willie Mullins’ charge favourite here despite finishing behind Maestro Conti last time.
He has to give weight away to the mare but I still expect him to confirm the placings.
Megan’s Tip: Maestro Conti WIN
Aintree 2.20 – Manifesto Novices' Chase
The Manifesto looks Lulamba’s (4/7f) race to lose.
He’s superior on ratings and I think stepping up in trip will be a massive positive. Everything happened a bit quick for him at Cheltenham but the extra distance here will play to his strengths and I expect him to be too good.
Megan’s Tip: Lulamba WIN
Aintree 2.55 – Bowl Chase
This is another race where the favourite looks a tough nut to crack.
Jango Baie (10/11f) ran a massive race when second in the Gold Cup showing he’s a horse who is very much still improving.
He goes well on flat tracks and this slight step back in trip won’t be an issue.
I actually thought the outsider of the field, Pic D’Orhy (14/1), was a touch overpriced.
He’s been kept fresh for this since running a massive race to finish second to Jonbon and while he’s no spring chicken at the age of 11, we know he goes well here and could easily outrun his odds.
Megan’s Tip: Jango Baie WIN; Pic D’Orhy EW
Aintree 3.30 – Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Chase
You always need a bit of luck in these races over the Grand National fences, but my pick is Unexpected Party (3/1), who is a class act on his day.
He lost his way a bit, however he’s really bounced back to form since going hunter chasing and his jockey Heidi Palin has built up a very good relationship with him.
This is his optimum trip and I can see why he’s towards the head of the betting.
Megan’s Tip: Unexpected Party WIN
Aintree 4.05 – Aintree Hurdle
It could be a quickfire double for team Skelton here as I do think The New Lion (7/4f) is the one to beat.
He looks ready to go back up in trip as he was outpaced at Cheltenham and ran on to finish third.
I know he has to give weight away to Brighterdaysahead (15/8) but I think she’s a two-miler on soft ground and I’m worried the surface on Thursday will be too quick for her to be seen at her best.
Megan’s Tip: The New Lion WIN
Odds correct at time of publication but subject to fluctuation
