2021 Aintree Grand National Festival Day 1 Preview
Author:
Jamie Clark
Publish Date:
Tuesday, 06th Apr 2021
Experiences:
Our experienced editor
Experiences:
Our experienced editor
Jamie Clark was Sports Editor of Coral bookmakers between 2014 and 2017 during their merger with Labrokes and a key period for the British betting industry. Working as a bookie’s runner on the point to point circuit in the Midlands and at Market Rasen Racecourse where his late godfather had a trackside pitch growing up, he has had ties to horse racing all of his life. A regular visitor to Cheltenham during the National Hunt season and York over the summer, he has been involved in Horsebetting.com since its inception. Jamie now brings you his take on major news stories from the racing world and those all-important betting tips.
Aintree Festival Thursday – Grand National day 1 tips and preview
This is the Horsebetting.com guide to the Thursday of the Aintree Festival, packed full of Grand National day 1 tips and selections. See who our experts like for all the action on Merseyside as the meeting begins.
A magnificent seven runners kick things off in the Manifesto Novices’ Chase at 1:45. Cheltenham Festival form from day 3 of last month’s meeting with Marsh Novices’ Chase second Fusil Raffles favourite ahead of Paddy Power Plate hero The Shunter and others.
Arkle Challenge Trophy runner-up Eldorado Allen could appreciate the step up in trip, but HITMAN has more scope. He skipped Cheltenham with this his target, so could be the answer in a very open race. This may be a big day for trainer Paul Nicholls, who also has the hot favourite in race two.
The Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle at 2:20 sees the unbeaten Monmiral up to Grade 1 level. The market rates Triumph second Adagio his biggest danger. Aintree has a special place in the hearts of the McCain family, however, so FIVEANDTWENTY could outrun her odds.
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Betway Bowl intriguing because of Clan, Native and Tiger
Many old favourites are in action in the Betway Bowl at 2:50. Clan Des Obeaux is favourite here, but WAITING PATIENTLY finished in front of him in the King George at Kempton last time out. Ruth Jefferson’s horse has run consistently well over whatever trip he’s tasked with. Always staying on at the finish, Waiting Patiently could get his head back in front now getting a stamina test.
There is also the sight of Tiger Roll back at Aintree, but in a regulation steeplechase rather than over the Grand National fences. Gigginstown House Stud’s beloved veteran is out to prove the British handicapper wrong about his high rating. Tiger Roll seeks a first success outside of the Grand National, Cross Country and hurdles company since March 2017 here.
Fellow 11-year-old Native River turns out quickly after finishing fourth in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Mister Fisher is also an interesting runner for Nicky Henderson now encountering a sound surface. Clondaw Castle takes a big step up in grade following a Kempton handicap success for in-form trainer Tom George. It’s open, some might say trappy.
Aintree Hurdle the highlight of the day
As for the feature over the smaller obstacles, the Aintree Hurdle at 3:25, six of the 11 horses entered race off the same mark of 158. Like the Betway Bowl, this is competitive stuff. McFabulous and Fontwell conqueror Brewin’upastorm meet again with the Nicholls runner enjoying a 6lb pull at the weights.
Irish raider Jason The Militant has already come in for market support, and has just half-a-length on Abacadabras to find from their Punchestown clash. It’s not much, and bettors realised that when first show prices appeared after final declarations. Jason The Militant comes into this off a win, while Abacadabras must bounce back from a fall in the Champion Hurdle.
Winning form at the distance may be key, however, and so our Grand National day 1 tips include SONG FOR SOMEONE each-way. Like the favourite McFabulous, but available at three times the price, Tom Symonds’ stable star has multiple Grade 2 victories at the trip. Buveur D’Air bids to win this again aged 10, meanwhile.
Eileendover an attraction in finale
The Grand National fences must be cleared in the Open Hunters’ Chase at 4:05. As amateur jockeys have had precious little time back in the saddle, a watching brief is our advice here. The front two in the betting, Billaway and Cat Tiger are certainly opposable.
With the Red Rum Handicap Chase at 4:40 a real puzzle, the last of our Grand National day 1 tips comes in the Nickel Coin Mares’ Bumper at 5:15. EILEENDOVER will rattle off the good ground at Aintree, and looks set for big things on the Flat in future.
Cheltenham Festival form is represented by Elle Est Belle in what looks like a two-horse race. It’s worth noting that Eileendover is worse off at the weights with Miss Lamb from her Listed success at Market Rasen. That 5lb swing probably can’t stop Pam Sly’s hot prospect from making it four out of four.
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