The Grand National meeting arrives at Aintree on Thursday. Though the famous race itself is not until Saturday, the two days preceding it are full of top quality racing.
GG tipster Joe Napier has picked our Lucky 15 tips for Thursday, with all four of them running in Liverpool.
Aintree Racing Tips (Thursday 9 April)
Day one of the Grand National festival gets underway on Thursday. With Grade 1s and the National fences in action, all four of our Lucky 15 best bets run at the big meeting.
1.45 Aintree – Selma De Vary (1pt win – 11/4)
Although only fourth in the Triumph Hurdle, Selma De Vary ran a big race considering the circumstances. Willie Mullins is not sending many across to Aintree outside of the Grand National but a Grade 1 may await here. His filly was extremely keen out wide under Paul Townend, yet still travelled into contention sweetly. She was squeezed for room against the stands rail by Maestro Conti before the last though, costing her key momentum. Given she went widest and was still green, there is most improvement to come from her in this field. She can turn the tables on Maestro Conti and Minella Study, especially if getting better cover.
3.30 Aintree – Lets Go Champ (1pt win – 11/1)
It was only two years ago that Lets Go Champ won a big handicap at the Punchestown Festival. The 11-year-old faded under rules since, but has made a cracking start to his new career. As a hunter chaser and point-to-pointer, he is unbeaten so far. Firstly, he won comfortably in an Oldtown point-to-point in February before beating a talented field in a Gowran Park hunter chase last month. That form looks fairly handy for this level and he should have little issue dropping back to 2m5f. He looks to possess two key qualities of class under rules and improvement in this new sphere.
4.40 Aintree – Palamon (1pt win – 11/1)
The decision to run recent gamble-lander Palamon just nine days on is a very intriguing move by the Skeltons. The six-year-old was fairly handy when trained in Ireland by Paul Nolan. He ran at the Cheltenham Festival and was a winner over hurdles while rated close to 80 on the flat. He joined Dan Skelton at the start of this season and evidently struggled to find his feet. However, after some lifeless effort, he sprung to form last time out at the right moment. Having been dropped 15lb in the handicap since joining Skelton, he won readily at Bangor off 111. As he is at the foot of the weights for this handicap, he is 9lb higher, but he may have more in hand. Harry Atkins takes off a further 7lb, so he is carrying a featherweight here.
5.15 Aintree – Ti’mamzel (1pt win – 15/2)
The Moores have won with five of their 18 runners so far in April and Ti’mamzel looked to have improved considerably last time out. Their mare is stoutly bred for National Hunt racing and is already among the wins. She has won two of her three bumpers, both of which have been at Listed level. She cosily kicked clear at Sandown at the start of March and while quicker ground may pose a question for a horse who should get further in time, she looks to possess a fair bit of quality. This is a good race, but she can prove up to the task.
GG Lucky 15 Tips – Thursday 9 April
1.45 Aintree – Selma De Vary (1pt win – 11/4)
3.30 Aintree – Lets Go Champ (1pt win – 11/1)
4.40 Aintree – Palamon (1pt win – 11/1)
5.15 Aintree – Ti’mamzel (1pt win – 15/2)
TimamzelGG Lucky 15 Tips – Thursday 9 April
Today’s Meetings & Start Times
- Aintree – first race 13:45
FAQs: Today’s Racing Tips
What are today’s GG Lucky 15 tips?
Joe Napier provides the GG Lucky 15 tips on Thursday 9 April, which include selections at Aintree.
When were Thursday’s Lucky 15 tips for Aintree published?
GG’s Lucky 15 tips for Aintree were published at 3pm on Wednesday 8 April.
Who is Joe Napier?
Joe Napier is the deputy editor of GG who gives tips and opinion throughout the week. He has been writing for GG for over four years and is hugely passionate about racing.
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