Its day one of the Aintree Festival and with seven cracking races on the card, we’ve taken a glance over the fields in search of some value. Read on for our “Most Likely Winner” and “Dark Horse” for the main events.
14:00 Injured Jockeys Fund 50th Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 1 2m 1f)
Most Likely Winner
ACTIVIAL sounds like the name of of a healthy yoghurt drink, but he is a rather smart juvenile hurdler who is being trained by up and coming training talent Harry Fry. His shrewd handler saw fit to skip Cheltenham and train him for this. He was vying for favouritism for the Triumph Hurdle last month and can justify that confidence here. The selection put in a fluent round of jumping when last seen at Kempton and the third home there who Activial thrashed, Solar Impulse, was only beaten a few lengths off a big weight in the Fred Winter.
Dark Horse
Violet Dancer ran a good race in the Fred Winter but didn’t seem to handle the track in the closing stages. On decent ground on a flat track, this attractive 4yo is a capable horse, one who jumps really well for a top trainer. Don’t discount a big run at big odds.
14:30 Betfred Bowl Chase (Grade 1 3m1f)
Most Likely Winner
FIRST LIEUTENANT is another who side-stepped the festival for an Aintree target and he’ll come here a fit, fresh and seriously dangerous horse. He won the race last year, will love the ground and looks sure to go very well indeed under Barry Geraghty. Ryanair Chase winner Dynaste and King George hero Silviniaco Conti are two worthy adversaries in what looks a top renewal of the bowl.
Dark Horse
Menorah was a dogged and gusty second in this last year and came into the race on the back of a below-par run – similar to this year. He is far from the most reliable sort but is top class when in the mood and at double figure odds he could easily creep into it.
15:05 Doom Bar Aintree Hurdle (Grade 1 2m 4f)
Most Likely Winner
No surprises here, The New One quite simply looks a class apart from this lot and should win comfortably. He was mightily unlucky in the Champion Hurdle, the additional distance is absolutely no problem to him and all being equal he’ll gain much deserved compensation in this.
Dark Horse
DIAKALI comes here on the back of a career-best run and Willie Mullins has seen fit to leave his other hurdlers at home. With many of the other dangers to The New One having plenty to prove at this level, Diakali could be the one to step up and give the favourite most to do.
15:40 Crabbie’s Fox Hunters’ Chase (National Course) 2m 5f 110y
Most Likely Winner
Barry Connell is said to have paid a pretty penny for 11yo Champion Hunter Chaser MOSSEY JOE, who acquired that tag with a striking performance in the such named race at Stratford last June. He is another who didn’t go to Cheltenham, but he did enjoy a pipe-opening point t point success last month which should leave him spot on for this. Expect him to take a lot of beating.
Dark Horse
Supreme Doc has stacks of pretty classy form to his name, not least a solid 5th in the Galway Plate last July. He looks a big danger to the favourite.
16:15 Crabbie’s Red Rum Handicap Chase (Grade 3) 2m
Most Likely Winner
SOUND INVESTMENT very much filled the eye when slamming the field a novice chase at Sandown recently and he makes plenty of appeal for Paul Nicholls. This 6yo has taken time to come to himself there is every chance he can remain firmly on the upgrade.
Dark Horse
King’s Grey is a horse you hate to love and love to hate. Talented but quirky, he jumps and travels like a dream for the most part all too often downs tools when the going gets tough. Having said all that, this race should be run to suit and if he is on a going day, he could easily outrun huge odds. The course is ideal for him.
16:50 Pinsent Masons Manifesto Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) 2m 4f
Most Likely Winner
OSCAR WHISKEY fell at the first in the JLT Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham and there’s no real knowing how well he’d have gone. What we do know however, is that the classy 9yo has his conditions near-on perfect for this race and his chief rival this season, Taquin Du Seuil, is not in the line-up. At his best he is the classiest of these and should he put his best foot forward, expect him to go in.
Dark Horse
Dodging Bullets has done nothing wrong all season and remains one of the best novice chasers in training. The step up in trip and flatter track here make him an attractive proposition for those looking for a little more value.