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Just a 15-runner maiden hurdle to solve in the opening race and there are some big-name trainers involved with Nicky Henderson, Paul Nicholls and Dan Skelton all set to saddle runners.
However, those big guns could be. swatted aside by Tom Lacey’s runner Lossiemouth, who won his last two bumpers in impressive fashion and looks an interesting recruit to hurdles.
Indeed, this classy looking four-year-old could well be unbeaten but for running out on his debut. Champion jockey Richard Johnson has been booked to ride and his mount could well take this before going on to bigger things later in the season.
SMACKWATER JACK (1.15 Aintree)
The more rain the better for this mudlark who disappointed on quick ground when a strong favourite at Ludlow in April. Still lightly raced having had just six runs, there is likely to be plenty of improvement to come from him this season as he enters handicap company and his mark of 127 looks workable.
CAPTAIN REDBEARD (1.50 Aintree)
This horse has run in the last two Grand Nationals and is an admirable, consistent veteran who always gives his best.
He showed glimpses of his true form last season, notably when beating subsequent Gold Cup runner Definitly Red at Kelso in February and a replication of that form should be more than enough to see him get his head in front here and upset a few familiar faces.
This is a trappy handicap hurdle to solve and a chance is taken on outsider Howling Milan. He has already had a prep run and has shaped on many occasions as if a step up in trip from two miles would see any amount of improvement. Fitness has to be taken on trust with most of those shorter in the market and a small surprise could well be on the cards.
Two of jump racing’s star horses are set to do battle in an outstanding renewal of the Old Roan Chase and Kalashnikov can come out on top against Frodon.
The latter has formed a superb partnership with Bryony Frost and lit up the Cheltenham Festival when winning the Ryanair Chase. However, as admirable a performer as he is, he may struggle to concede a stone to the fast-improving Kalashnikov.
He captured his first Grade 1 success at this course in April and his record racing left-handed bears the utmost scrutiny. Amy Murphy’s six-year-old has raced nine times and only been beaten twice, when runner-up in the 2018 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and unseasting his rider in this year’s Arkle.
He can come into his own this year and is more than good enough to hold his own outside of novice company.
PLAN OF ATTACK (3.35 Aintree)
You always have to take note when Irish trainer Henry de Bromhead sends one across the Irish Sea and his Plan Of Attack heads to Aintree off the back of an impressive win at Wexford on only his second chase start. The six-year-old looks to have improved significantly since being sent over fences and can continue his progression by making a successful British raid.
WHITE HART LADY (4.10 Aintree)
Not a lot of form to go on in this bumper and it might pay to side with a trainer in form. Harry Fry is firing in the winners in the last few days so we’ll row in behind White Hart Lady as she attempts to make a winning debut.
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