2:00 John Smith’s Liverpool Hurdle

The World Hurdle is the link to this race and the winner of the World, Inglis Drever, runs here. However when he attempted the double last year he only managed to finish third and I have a feeling he may struggle to get the double again this year and at around 5/4 he is no value.

I tipped Blazing Bailey for the World Hurdle and he only managed to finish fourth, on this flatter course I think he has more chance of being in the shake up and at 11/2 he is worth an each way bet.

The same can apply to Lough Derg, who has had a fantastic season but who clearly is not in love with Cheltenham. Provided this is not a race too far for him in a busy season the 16/1 available is worth looking at each way.  

The other interesting one could be Paul Nicholls Kicks For Free, only just beaten in the Coral Cup at Cheltenham, the big imponderable being he is untried over this distance.

2:35 John Smith’s Aintree Bowl Steeplechase

Well Kauto Star is the key player here. Runner up in the Gold Cup this race looks like an afterthought and an attempt to try and win the Order of Merit again. Some, including me, are asking if this is a race too far for him this season and I would not want to back him odds on.

Exotic Dancer won this last season and he should be top of the shortlist to cause an upset, however his last couple of runs have been disappointing I cannot back him at the moment.

Monets Garden has won at 3 miles 1 furlong and he beat Kauto Star here last October over 2½ miles and I would suggest that is his optimum distance.

Although Gungadu is unbeaten this season he will have to run a lifetime best to win this one.

So that leaves Our Vic, runner up to Kauto Star in the King George, he can be a temperamental so and so but if any of the four can lower Kauto Star’s colours then I think he is the one.

 

3:10  John Smith’s Anniversary Hurdle

Celestial Halo is bidding to become the third horse in a row to win the Triumph Hurdle and this race, following in the footsteps of Katchit and Detroit City. However he is a horse who looks to prefer further.

One who does like the distance is Binocular who was an unlucky runner up in the Supreme Novices and I fancy him to take the spoils.

 

3:45 John Smith’s Foxhunters Steeplechase

Katarino is attempting to win an unprecedented third Foxhunters and few at Aintree would be grudge him that win. Last time out he beat Christy Beamish by seven lengths, I can see the loser getting closer this time but if he can turn the tables, that’s another question.

Thisthatandother is the potential fly in the ointment, well in at the weights this one time class horse could, if he has one of his going days, easily win this with plenty in hand. However, and this is a big however, he can throw in a shocking race occasionally.    

4:20 The Silver Cross Prams Red Rum Handicap Chase

Lennon loves Aintree and has had a light campaign and must be one for the shortlist, along with Leslingtaylor who also has course form. To be honest, however, any one of half a dozen could win and your lucky pin has as much chance of finding a winner.

4:55 The Citroen C5 Mersey Novices Hurdle

Franchoek was sent off favourite for the Triumph Hurdle only to be beaten by Celestial Halo. Trainer Alan King has decided to step Franchoek up in distance, something he seems to be crying out for.

5:30 John Smith’s Handicap Hurdle

An impossible race to finish the card and another for the lucky pin. Money seems to be coming in for County Zen and I see no reason to ignore the trend.