Megan Nicholls Racing Preview: Aintree Grand National Meeting Day 2 Tips
FRIDAY RACING TIPS
Aintree 1.45 – 2m4f handicap hurdle
A nice, easy start to day two!
You can make a case for loads in here, but the one I’ve come down on is Joyeuse (6/1), who ran very well in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham.
She’s a filly that has plenty of ability and she’s slowly coming back to her best form having struggled at the start of the season when connections sent her over fences.
She won’t mind the drying ground and I think a combination of a flat track over a little bit further will really suit her.
Nicky Henderson typically does well at this meeting and I fancy Joyeuse to start his Friday with a bang.
Megan’s Tip: Joyeuse EW
Aintree 2.20 – Mildmay Novices' Chase
I’m really hoping Regent’s Stroll (4/1) can repeat Caldwell Potter’s success last year.
He’s not an easy ride and can be very keen in his races, but he settled much better at Cheltenham last time. He ran well and while I don’t think he had any excuses, connections had to be pleased with the performance.
Three miles on a flat track might just be what he wants and I think it’s fair to say this isn’t the strongest Grade 1 we’ll see at Aintree this week. With that in mind, this looks a pretty good opportunity for him to taste success at the highest level.
Megan’s Tip: Regent’s Stroll WIN
Aintree 2.55 – Top Novices’ Hurdle
Another Grade 1 that has unfortunately cut up and that leaves it pretty open for Sober Glory (8/15f).
He’s a class act and I thought he was pretty unlucky at Cheltenham and perhaps the button was pushed a bit too early and that cost him. He nearly fell at the last so he did very well to finish second.
He needs to be managed but he’s usually a good jumper and I expect him to take all the beating.
Megan’s Tip: Sober Glory WIN
Aintree 3.30 – Melling Chase
Heart Wood (5/4f) is the one to beat given the way he won the Ryanair at Cheltenham.
Everything came together nicely for him and I was pretty impressed. If he can repeat that here he will take plenty of stopping.
The market suggests Dan Skelton’s Grey Dawning (7/4) is the one who will give him most to think about, but I actually think Skelton’s other runner, L’eau Du Sud (11/1), might be the one against him.
If they can ride him with a bit of restraint over this new distance, I think the extra distance might just bring about a bit of improvement.
The flat track over this new trip could really help him and I could see him giving the favourite a bit of a run for his money.
Megan’s Tip: Heart Wood WIN; L’eau Du Sud EW
Aintree 4.05 – Topham Handicap Chase
BetMGM are paying six places each-way here and while it’s very competitive, Madara (7/2f) looked like he had loads in hand when winning the Plate at Cheltenham and I expect him to go in again despite a big hike in the weights.
It was hard not to be impressed with the way he did it last time and provided he handles the bigger fences here, which I don’t see why he won’t, I find it very hard to go against him.
At a crazy price, I wouldn’t put anyone off a few quid each-way on Hitman (28/1).
He’s a bit of a frustrating horse but he’s so talented on his day, and we know he loves Aintree and good ground.
He gets his ideal conditions and I just thought at a big price, he was definitely worth a second look.
Megan’s Tip: Madara WIN; Hitman EW
Odds correct at time of publication but subject to fluctuation
