Grand National Day!
Saturday 10th April – Aintree
2:25 Minella Drama – Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1)
He’s a grand horse but would want a bit more ease in the ground. He has improved with every run this year, won 3 including the listed race which was rerouted to Market Rasen and just got beat in a Grade 2. The trip should be fine and he’s an improving sort of horse so we’re hopeful for a big run.
3.00pm Shiskin – Doom Bar Maghull Novices’ Chase (Grade 1)
Sit back and watch Shishkin! He’s the best 2m Novice chaser we’ve seen this year.
3.35pm Thyme Hill – Ryanair Stayers Hurdle (Grade 1)
This is a great race. I think it will be between Thyme Hill, who missed Cheltenham, and Paisley Park – they are the stand-out horses. I have a slight preference for Thyme Hill as he might be that bit fresher having not been to Cheltenham but there’s not much between them as we saw at Ascot.
4:15 Snow Leopardess – Handicap Chase (Grade 3)
She’s done nothing wrong all year – again, she’d want a bit of rain. Got Happygolucky in there who finished 2nd in the Ultima but this mare finished 4th in the 3m6f National Hunt Challenge Cup at Cheltenham and she’s not run a bad race all year. She has a nice weight so you’d be hopeful for a big run.
5:15 Lake View Lad – Grand National
I ride Lake View Lad but I think Trevor’s other horse, Cloth Cap has a massive chance. I also like the chances of Takingrisks – he’s a Scottish National winner, he jumps and stays, should love the ground and has had a nice preparation for this.
6:20 Fruit N Nut – Weatherbys Standard Open
He’s done nothing wrong, was 2nd in a point to point and has won his two bumpers. This is going to be a lot harder and his price probably reflects that, but he’s a grand horse and deserves to take his chance. Obviously, you’ve got some nice-looking horses in there – Nicky Henderson’s Balco Coastal was visually very impressive in an AW bumper but I was very impressed with Olly Murphy’s Go Dante and I know Aidan thinks a lot of him. I’ve won on Parramount – he’s a horse I like a lot and is younger half-brother to Snow Leopardess. There are plenty of winners in the race and I think it will be a great race to watch.
Brian’s Saturday Picks:
| 13:45 | Polish | 12/1* |
| 14:25 | Minella Drama | 9/1 |
| 15:00 | Shiskin | 2/13 |
| 15:40 | Thyme Hill | 9/4 |
| 16:20 | Snow Leopardess | 10/1 |
| 17:15 Grand National | Cloth Cap / Takingrisks | 9/2 / 22/1 |
| 18:15 | Go Dante | 10/1 |
*All odds correct at time of writing