The first “proper” race of the day is the John Smith’s Mersey Hurdle and this looks the perfect opportunity for Karabak to get his head in front again.

Quietly fancied to take the Ballymore Novices’ at the Festival he lost nothing in defeat to Mikael d’Haguenet. There is certainly nothing of the quality of the Cheltenham winner in this field and although 2m 4f on a flat track may be a little on the sharp side, Karaback is a confident selection and the nap of the day.

The Maghull Novices’ Chase has several Cheltenham failures looking to return to form.

Kalahari King was a closing runner-up to Forpaddytheplasterer in the Arkle at the festival and looks the best option in the field.

Planet Of Sound was fifth in the same race but put in a terrible display of jumping. Arguably he could easily have been placed with a more fluent display. He should find Aintree easier to get around and he may gibe the selection most to do.

Poquelin was very disappointing in the Grand Annual at the Festival, although it is questionable that he was given an ideal ride by Ruby Walsh in that, having been settled in rear, he was given too much to do in the closing stages. Ridden with better tactics today he could also be in contention.   

The John Smith’s Aintree Hurdle sees Champion Hurdle runner-up Celestial Halo make a re-appearance. However he had a very hard race at Cheltenham and this race could be too soon.

Of much more interest is Irish raider Solwhit, who has been lightly campaigned and by-passed Cheltenham to come to Aintree fresh.

A progressive sort he did suffer a surprise defeat at the hands of Ninetieth Minute at Thurles in December, however Ninetieth Minute then went on to win the Coral Cup at the Festival, franking the form.

The biggest concern with Solwhit is his best for has come with some give in the ground.

The John Smith’s Handicap Chase at 3:25 is really open and has a number of doubtful runners. We will look at the race in more detail once the overnight declarations are available.

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The John Smith’s Conditional Jockeys ‘ Handicap Hurdle at 5:00 is another race where Cheltenham failings are up to be amended.

Venetia Williams Aachen was terribly disappointing in the County Hurdle fading from three out. I’m prepared to take the view he wasn’t suited by Cheltenham and that he will be happier on a flatter track and on a sounder surface and am prepared to give him another chance.

The one who could give our selection most to do is the Irish raider Mudslinger who, despite his name, did not seem happy in the soft going at the Festival. Back on better ground he can be seen to his true potential and rates the biggest threat to Aachen.