Old Roan Chase Day is a sign to many jumps racing fans that the new National Hunt season is underway.
The highlight of this card comes at 3.00pm and it takes place over 2m4f where leading trainers Paul Nicholls and Dan Skelton both have representation. They will be looking to win a big prize early in the race for the Trainers’ Championship.
Racing from Aintree this afternoon begins at 1.50pm and runs through to 5.20pm. You can watch it all via live streaming when logged into MansionBet, alongside every race in the UK and Ireland on a busy Sunday. Our tipster has a race-by-race look at the Aintree action.
1.50 – Jewson Click And Collect Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle (3m½f)
This is a competitive handicap hurdle to begin the card with and the best handicapped horse here could be UNO MAS. The seven-year-old gelding will have just 10st on his back. He comes into this race on the back of a victory at Ffos Las (3m). The margin of victory was 13 lengths, and although he has gone up 9lb for that success, there should be much more to come.
Selection: Uno Mas @ 7/2
2.25 – Jewson Tool Hire Veterans’ Handicap Chase (3m1f)
10-year-old BLACK OP now qualifies for veterans’ races which will make things much easier for him. This horse featured in the Cheltenham Gold Cup and King George VI Chase last season. He is now down to a mark of 145 and he goes well fresh. He is in with a great chance of picking up his first win since October 2019.
Selection: Black Op @ 13/8
3.00 – Jewson Monet’s Garden Old Roan Limited Handicap Chase (2m4f)
Last year’s winner NUTS WELL is looking to become the second horse in history to win this contest twice. The race is now named after the only other repeat winner, Monet’s Garden. Ann Hamilton’s runner began his season with victory at Kelso (2m1f) three weeks ago. He looked in good shape and was well in control at the end of that race. His biggest rival here is Grade one winner Allmankind but he is favoured over the five-year-old due to his superior experience.
Selection: Nuts Well @ 11/2
3.35 – Jewson Birkenhead, Price Street Maiden Hurdle (2m4f)
GELINO BELLO scored on his debut in a National Hunt Flat race last season at Plumpton. The five-year-old from Paul Nicholls’ Ditcheat yard then finished third in a Listed contest at Newbury. This will be Nicholls’ novice’s first start over hurdles. He is stepping up in trip but his breeding suggests that will suit him. He looks the one to beat here.
Selection: Gelino Bello @ 7/4
4.10 – Jewson Wallasey Handicap Hurdle (2m4f)
After victories at Southwell (2m4½f) and Warwick (2m5f) respectively at the end of last season, POUNDING POET is on a hat-trick bid in this handicap hurdle. The handicapper has put him up a further 8lb since his last success but it may not be enough to stop him just yet. The in-form runner from Tom Lacey’s yard can extend his winning run on his return to action.
Selection: Pounding Poet @ 3/1
4.45 – Jewson St Helens Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase (3m1f)
Peter Bowen’s gelding LANDOFSMILES has a decent record over fences. He has won four of his seven races. This horse appeared in a Listed race at Uttoxeter (3m2f) on his last outing. The six-year-old did not disgrace himself as he finished fourth of 16. He is only 4lb higher than his last victory so there is a good chance he will add another success to his tally.
Selection: Landofsmiles @ 5/1
5.20 – Jewson Southport, Bispham Road EBF Mares’ Open National Hunt Flat Race (2m1f)
GOOD LOOK CHARM has to carry a penalty in this bumper as she was victorious at Sedgefield back in December. She has since moved to Anthony Honeyball’s yard. The mare looked a class above her rivals when she scored on her last run. She has also much more experience than many of the runners in this contest. She sets the standard and will be tough to beat.
Selection: Good Look Charm @ 6/1
All odds correct at time of writing.
