Friday 12th April 2024
Author: Jordan Yates (jordan_yates_)
Aintree Grand National Meeting 2024
1.45: Huyton Asphalt Franny Blennerhassett Memorial Mildmay Novices’ Chase: Friday’s action kicks off at 1.45 with the Grade 1 Mildmay Novices’ Chase which is Grade 1 action over three miles and a furlongs. I’ve decided to take a chance on Heart Wood here for the team of Henry De Bromhead and Rachael Blackmore. He’s currently a 7/1 chance in the betting which I think represents a bit of value for a horse who’s progressive and won a twenty-five runner Grade 3 handicap by fourteen lengths last time out. If he’s to progress again he can firmly be in the mix. Heart Wood – 5/1 (Each-Way)
2.20: William Hill Handicap Hurdle: The second race of the afternoon is the 2.20 which is handicap hurdle action over two miles and four furlongs. I’m with another Irish raider here in the form of Ocastle Des Mottes for Paul Townend and Willie Mullins. He was a listed winner in France and hasn’t been disgraced in his two runs so far for Willie as both came within fiercely competitive handicaps, the first being the Betfair Hurdle and most recently the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham last month. He finished fifth at Cheltenham with the jockey stating he was too free throughout the race, this track should suit him better and if he settles he could go close. Ocastle Des Mottes – 10/1 (Each-Way)
2.55: Trustatrader Top Novices’ Hurdle: It’s more Grade 1 action at 2.55 with the Top Novices’ Hurdle taking centre-stage over two miles and a furlong and a half. I’m taking a chance on Dysart Enos to upset the Irish duo of Mystical Power and Firefox for Fergal O’Brien and Paddy Brennan. She had to miss Cheltenham at the last minute so will come into the race fresh having not been since winning on the bridle at Doncaster in January. Shes won all six of her starts under rules and looks to be a very exciting and progressive mare, she gets the weight allowance here from the males and a big run would be no surprise. Dysart Enos – 5/1 (Each-Way)
3.30: My Pension Expert Melling Chase: The fourth race on Friday comes up at 3.30 and this is the Grade 1 Melling Chase over two miles and four furlongs. In this year’s renewal of the contest, I’m with Jonbon for Nicky Henderson and Nico de Boinville. This is a big race for the eight-year-old having missed Cheltenham as well as coming into the race off the back of a shock defeat, however, I think he’ll have enough class to see him through. His jumping does need to improve but I think he should be beating this field if he’s anywhere near the peak of his powers. Jonbon – 15/8 (Win) (NAP)
4.05: Randox Supports Race Against Dementia Topham Handicap Chase: My fifth selection of the afternoon comes in the 4.40 which is the Topham Chase that’s ridden over two miles and five furlongs. I’m siding with last year’s winner of the race which is Bill Baxter for the team of Warren Greatrex and James Bowen. He’s not shown much this season, however, as a result, he’s dropped right back down the handicap to just a pound higher than his winning mark from last term. This race has clearly been the plan all year and a big run looks likely from the eight-year-old. Bill Baxter – 11/2 (Each-Way) (NB)
4.40: Cavani Sartorial Menswear Sefton Novices’ Hurdle: I’m concluding my picks for Friday in the 4.40 which is Grade 1 action in the Sefton Novice’s Hurdle over three miles and half of a furlong. It’s Shanagh Bob here for me who’s currently an 11/2 chance in the betting for Nicky Henderson and Nico de Boinville. He comes into the race with an unbeaten record and looked a highly progressive sort for Seven Barrows when he was last seen at Cheltenham in December, winning a Grade 2 event on that occasion. There is likely a considerable amount of potential still to unlock and I think he’s certainly a player here. Shanagh Bob – 11/2 (Each-Way)
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