It’s Grand National day on Saturday 11 April with the big race off at 4pm. However, there are a whole host of other top notch races throughout the afternoon at Aintree on the final day of the Grand National Festival.
Our in-house tipster Steve Chambers previews all the action and picks out his best bets from the Merseyside venue on Saturday.
Aintree Racing Tips (Thursday 9 April)
It’s an early start at Aintree with the first race taking place at 12.45pm. Across the seven races there some fascinating Grade 1 races, but the feature race is the Randox Grand National, which is off at 4pm.
1.55 Aintree – Turners Mersey Novices’ Hurdle – Ballyfad (1pt win – 7/2)
Gordon Elliott’s Ballyfad ran no sort of race when 10th in the Turners Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, but the Irish raider can bounce back to form and claim victory in the Mersey Novices’ Hurdle at 1.55pm. Prior to his Cheltenham flop, Ballyfad had finished second in a Grade 1 at the Dublin Racing Festival, where he finished ahead of impressive Cheltenham winner King Rasko Grey. If he can replicate that run here then he should be able to down his rivals here, with the likes of Bossman Jack and Scorpio Rising looking the main dangers.
2.30 Aintree – William Hill Handicap Chase – Lookaway (1pt win – 15/2)
Neil King’s Lookaway won the bumper on Grand National day way back in 2022 and the hugely consistent performer can claim more success on Aintree’s big day this weekend. Still only nine, he heads into the William Hill Handicap Chase at 2.30pm on the back of two impressive wins on the bounce, and he can land the hat-trick here. Given a 6lbs rise for a decent Kempton win last time out, his front-running style is sure to put the rest of the field under pressure in this event. If he can get into a rhythm over his fences then he could well dominate this event and continue his fine record at Aintree.
3.05 Aintree – Jet2 Liverpool Hurdle – Honesty Policy (1pt win – 3/1)
Last month’s Stayers’ Hurdle is certainly a key pointer when looking at the Grade 1 Liverpool Hurdle, but Cheltenham winner Home By The Lee is unlikely to follow up his win here. Gordon Elliott’s Honesty Policy disappointed in the Stayers’ Hurdle when finishing fifth, but he showed when winning the Mersey Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree last year that he can deliver at this track. He’s certainly one that will relish the quicker ground on Saturday, and he can duly scoot clear of his rivals here. The likes of Cheltenham handicap winner Jingko Blue and Air Of Entitlement are big dangers, but Honesty Policy should have too much class for them and land this prize.
4.00 Aintree – Randox Grand National Handicap Chase – Jagwar (1pt win – 10/1)
A hugely competitive field line up for the Grand National, with the former champion I Am Maximus certainly the one to beat, alongside stablemate Grangeclare West. However, the Willie Mullins-trained pair can falter to a leading British raider in the shape of Jagwar, who can claim his first victory of the season. A winner at the Cheltenham Festival last season, the Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerrriero-trained raider has been hugely consistent this season, but has continued to find one too good. Placed in all three races this season at Cheltenham, he was last seen finishing runner-up to Johnnywho in the Ultima Handicap Chase.
Jagwar will line up off the same mark of 152 in the Grand National, so it would be no shock to see him turn that form around. He will need be delivered late by Mark Walsh, as he certainly doesn’t offer much in front, whilst his jumping can be a little suspect. However, this jumping test isn’t what it was, so providing he doesn’t get too far behind then turning for home he can cruise to the lead, and can hopefully pull clear up the run-in.
Aintree Grand National Festival Day 3, Saturday 11 April
1.55 Aintree – Turners Mersey Novices’ Hurdle – Ballyfad (1pt win – 7/2)
2.30 Aintree – William Hill Handicap Chase – Lookaway (1pt win – 15/2)
3.05 Aintree – Jet2 Liverpool Hurdle – Honesty Policy (1pt win – 3/1)
4.00 Aintree – Randox Grand National Handicap Chase – Jagwar (1pt win – 10/1)
LookawayAintree Grand National Festival Day 3, Saturday 11 April
Today’s Meetings & Start Times
- Aintree – first race 12:45
FAQs: Today’s Racing Tips
What are today’s Aintree Grand National Festival Day 3 tips?
Steve Chambers provides the Aintree Grand National Festival Day 3 tips, which takes place on Saturday 11th April
When were Aintree Grand National Festival Day 3 tips published?
The Aintree Grand National Festival Day 3 tips were published at 11.45am on Friday 10th April.
Who is Steve Chambers?
Who is Steve Chambers? Steve Chambers is the editor and regular tipster and writer for GG. He has over 10 years experience in the industry and has a wealth of knowledge on all things racing.
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