Aintree Racing Tips & Predictions – Thursday 9th April 2026
Seven races at Aintree today and it’s a proper Thursday at the Grand National meeting: three Grade 1s before tea, a cavalry-charge Foxhunters, then that cracking Red Rum handicap to empty wallets. Going and distances aren’t published in the race data we’re working from, so we’re leaning hard on what we can trust: ratings, topspeed figures, recent form and a few rock-solid course angles. These Aintree racing tips are built around that, plus the best prices available right now.
If you like a course angle, our data analysis throws up a few names worth pinning to the fridge. Protektorat has run five times here and won twice (40% strike-rate), while Pic D’Orhy and Jango Baie both boast a 100% place rate at the track from three runs. In the Foxhunters chaos, Gaboriot is 4-from-4 for placing at Aintree (100% place rate) which is exactly the sort of nugget punters forget when the betting turns into a bun-fight. Right, let’s get stuck in.
Tipster performance at Aintree
| Tipster | Selections | Wins | Win rate | Strike rate | Total prize money |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeffrey Ross | 6 | 3 | 50% | 60% | 55252.6 |
| Rory Delargy | 9 | 4 | 44.44% | 50% | 600932.2 |
| The Brigadier | 11 | 4 | 36.36% | 44.44% | 300946.9 |
| RP Ratings | 12 | 3 | 25% | 27.27% | 188471.6 |
| Ben Morgan | 12 | 3 | 25% | 30% | 213404.6 |
| The North | 8 | 2 | 25% | 28.57% | 143275 |
| sportinglife.com | 8 | 2 | 25% | 28.57% | 76573.5 |
| Newsboy | 9 | 2 | 22.22% | 25% | 108300.5 |
| Glendale | 9 | 2 | 22.22% | 25% | 335233 |
| Adrian Wall | 9 | 2 | 22.22% | 25% | 165981.5 |
13:45 – Boodles Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race)
Race Details: Distance | Class 1 | Going | Prize Money | Jumps
This juvenile is a good example of why Aintree punting can be brilliant and brutal in the same breath. You’ve got a chunky 10-runner field, and the ratings say two of them are streets ahead: Selma De Vary (148) and Minella Study (147), with Maestro Conti (146) and Mange Tout (145) not far behind. Topspeed backs it up too: Maestro Conti and Minella Study both sit on 139, which is proper Grade 1 juvenile pace in our data. Market has latched onto the right end, but there’s still a case for picking the “right” right one rather than just backing the favourite and praying.
Top selections
WIN – Selma De Vary
Jockey: Paul Townend | Trainer: W P Mullins | Form: 2-5124 | Rating: 148 | Draw: | Weight: 149
In pure numbers, Selma De Vary is the class act: top-rated in the field (148) and right there on topspeed (137). Crucially, she’s also getting weight from most of the main dangers at 149, and that matters when they quicken off the bend here. The market has her around 5/2 with Bet365 which feels fair rather than flashy, but I’ll take it given she’s got Paul Townend doing the steering for Mullins — and they don’t send passengers to Aintree Grade 1s. She’s not bombproof, but on our data she’s the percentage call.
EACH-WAY – Winston Junior
Jockey: Harry Cobden | Trainer: Faye Bramley | Form: 2212 | Rating: 140 | Draw: | Weight: 156
Winston Junior doesn’t have the sexy rating of the top two (140 plays 148), but he does have the sort of profile I want for an each-way bet in a 10-runner Grade 1: consistent, keeps finding, and his topspeed of 126 says he’s not fluking it. He’s 11/2 with Bet365 which is a better each-way shape than some of the shorter ones, and Harry Cobden is exactly the kind of jockey you want if this turns tactical (which juveniles often do). I’m not saying he’s the most likely winner — he isn’t — but for a place, he’s hard to knock.
Danger: Maestro Conti (rating 146, topspeed 139) is the obvious one if you want to play “best figures win races”.
Live odds comparison
| Horse | bet365 | betfair | betfred | paddypower | skybet | williamhill | Best odds | Best book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selma De Vary | 5/2 | 9/4 | 9/4 | 9/4 | 9/4 | 9/4 | 5/2 | bet365 |
| Maestro Conti | 3/1 | 3/1 | 3/1 | 3/1 | 11/4 | 3/1 | 3/1 | bet365 |
| Minella Study | 10/3 | 7/2 | 7/2 | 7/2 | 7/2 | 7/2 | 7/2 | betfair |
| Winston Junior | 11/2 | 9/2 | 5/1 | 5/1 | 4/1 | 5/1 | 11/2 | bet365 |
| Mange Tout | 6/1 | 11/2 | 13/2 | 6/1 | 11/2 | 13/2 | 13/2 | betfred |
| Ammes | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 25/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | bet365 |
| Wolf Rayet | 33/1 | 40/1 | 40/1 | 40/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 40/1 | betfair |
| Aqua Bleu | 50/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | 33/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | bet365 |
| Indian River | 50/1 | 66/1 | 66/1 | 66/1 | 40/1 | 66/1 | 66/1 | betfair |
| Lord | 66/1 | 66/1 | 66/1 | 66/1 | 40/1 | 66/1 | 66/1 | bet365 |
Betting strategy
Keep it simple: Selma De Vary is the win bet on our ratings edge and that handy weight concession. If you want an each-way angle in a race with 3 places, Winston Junior at 11/2 is the solid “runs his race” play. Maestro Conti is the main threat on pure topspeed, while Minella Study is respected but priced about right.
Tipster selections
| Tipster | Source | Selection |
|---|---|---|
| The North | Racing Post | Minella Study |
| Robin Goodfellow | Daily Mail | Selma De Vary |
| Luke Tucker | Cambridge Evening News | Winston Junior |
| Jeffrey Ross | Sporting Times | Winston Junior |
| Whistler | Sunday Telegraph | Aqua Bleu |
14:20 – William Hill Manifesto Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) (GBB Race)
Race Details: Distance | Class 1 | Going | Prize Money | Jumps
Five runners, so no messing about with each-way angles — it’s a straight win-only shootout. And on our numbers it’s a shootout in name only. Lulamba towers over these on rating (173) and topspeed (160), and that’s the sort of gap you don’t often see in Grade 1 novice chases unless one of them is a potential monster. Koktail Divin is the clear danger on 166, but he’s still giving away 7lb in the ratings. The others are playing for places if everything stands up. If Lulamba jumps clean, it should be game over.
Top selections
WIN – Lulamba
Jockey: Nico de Boinville | Trainer: Nicky Henderson | Form: -11113 | Rating: 173 | Draw: | Weight: 161
This is as close as you’ll get to a “banker” on a Grade 1 card. Lulamba’s 173 rating is miles clear of the field and the 160 topspeed backs up that he’s not just beating trees. Nico de Boinville is a proper big-race operator here (our course data: 135 rides, 24 wins) and Henderson doesn’t pitch them into this grade unless they belong. Yes, he’s short at 4/6 with Bet365, but sometimes the job is simply to accept the obvious and build around it. Hard to oppose.
Live odds comparison
| Horse | bet365 | betfair | betfred | paddypower | skybet | Best odds | Best book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lulamba | 4/6 | 8/13 | 8/13 | 8/13 | 8/13 | 4/6 | bet365 |
| Koktail Divin | 5/2 | 11/5 | 9/4 | 9/4 | 2/1 | 5/2 | bet365 |
| Jax Junior | 11/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 11/1 | bet365 |
| Mambonumberfive | 14/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 14/1 | bet365 |
| Blueking D’Oroux | 18/1 | 18/1 | 18/1 | 18/1 | 18/1 | 18/1 | bet365 |
Betting strategy
Small field = win-only. Lulamba is the anchor bet and, frankly, the day’s most obvious one on our data. If you’re playing forecasts, Koktail Divin is the logical second-best on rating, but as a single he’s priced as though he can trouble the favourite… and I’m not buying that.
Tipster selections
| Tipster | Source | Selection |
|---|---|---|
| Newsboy | Daily Mirror | Koktail Divin |
| Brian Flanagan | Irish Daily Star | Koktail Divin |
| Ratings Hub | attheraces.com | Lulamba |
| Tipman Tips | tipmantips.com | Lulamba |
14:55 – Racing Welfare Bowl Chase (Grade 1) (GBB Race)
Race Details: Distance | Class 1 | Going | Prize Money | Jumps
Another five-runner Grade 1, but this one has a bit more spice because there are proper hardened chasers knocking around. Jango Baie is the clear top on our figures: a monster 178 rating and an even bigger 176 topspeed. That’s elite. Protektorat brings a strong Aintree record (5 runs, 2 wins) and arrives in winning form (42-311), while Pic D’Orhy is an old favourite who still posts serious speed numbers (167 topspeed) even at 11. Market’s got Jango Baie odds-on-ish, and it’s hard to argue when the data screams the same thing.
Top selections
WIN – Jango Baie
Jockey: Nico de Boinville | Trainer: Nicky Henderson | Form: 13-142 | Rating: 178 | Draw: | Weight: 164
Jango Baie is the standout on any serious measure we’ve got. He’s top-rated (178), he’s top on topspeed (176), and he’s also a proven Aintree operator with a 100% place rate here from three runs. Betfair’s dangling 5/4 and I’m not overthinking it: that’s a fair price for the likeliest winner in the race by a distance. Nico de Boinville again is a major plus — and if Jango Baie jumps like a Grade 1 horse, the rest are scrapping for second.
Live odds comparison
| Horse | bet365 | betfair | betfred | paddypower | skybet | Best odds | Best book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jango Baie | 6/5 | 5/4 | 5/4 | 5/4 | 5/4 | 5/4 | betfair |
| Impaire Et Passe | 7/2 | 16/5 | 10/3 | 10/3 | 3/1 | 7/2 | bet365 |
| Spillane’s Tower | 4/1 | 10/3 | 7/2 | 10/3 | 10/3 | 4/1 | bet365 |
| Protektorat | 6/1 | 5/1 | 5/1 | 5/1 | 6/1 | 6/1 | bet365 |
| Pic D’Orhy | 16/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 16/1 | bet365 |
Betting strategy
Win-only again. Jango Baie is the bet and I wouldn’t be trying to get cute in a five-runner Grade 1. If you want cover, Protektorat is the obvious “Aintree specialist” saver, but at 6/1 you’re basically betting on Jango Baie underperforming rather than Protektorat improving.
Tipster selections
| Tipster | Source | Selection |
|---|---|---|
| Garry Owen | Daily Record | Spillane’s Tower |
| The Score | Racing TV | Spillane’s Tower |
| Dean Kilbryde | East Anglian Daily Times | Protektorat |
| Lambourn | Racing Post | Jango Baie |
15:30 – Randox Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Chase
Race Details: Distance | Class 2 | Going | Prize Money | Jumps
Right, the Foxhunters: 25 runners, amateur riders, and a race that routinely makes mugs of “certainty” merchants. You can’t preview this like a normal Grade 1. So we go back to basics: who’s in form, who’s got the numbers, and who handles Aintree’s unique test. Barton Snow and Unexpected Party both sit on a big 147 rating, while Its On The Line is close on 146 and has a strong recent profile (32-112). Course factor matters: Gaboriot has placed on all four Aintree starts (100% place rate), which is gold dust in this sort of scrap. Market has Barton Snow short; fair enough, but I’d rather look for value alongside him.
Top selections
WIN – Its On The Line
Jockey: Mr Derek O’Connor | Trainer: Emmet Mullins | Form: 32-112 | Rating: 146 | Draw: | Weight: 168
Barton Snow is the obvious one, but the price is doing you no favours. I’m siding with Its On The Line at a much more workable 4/1 with Bet365. Our data has him right on the shoulder of the favourite on rating (146 vs 147) and he’s joint-top on topspeed (130) alongside Barton Snow. Add in Mr Derek O’Connor — as good as it gets in these hunter-chase pressure cookers — and you’ve got a horse who looks built to travel, jump and keep out of trouble. Emmet Mullins also shows well at this track in our trainer notes (12 runs, 3 wins).
EACH-WAY – Gaboriot
Jockey: Mr Huw Edwards | Trainer: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero | Form: P-2PF3 | Rating: 131 | Draw: | Weight: 168
Yes, the rating (131) says he’s got ground to find, but Foxhunters aren’t run on paper — they’re run on rhythm and not making a mess of it when the amateurs get racing early. Gaboriot’s hook is simple and strong: four runs at Aintree, four places (100% place rate) in our course data. That’s not coincidence; it’s aptitude. He’s a proper each-way type at 20/1 with Bet365 with 5 places on offer. If he’s within hailing distance turning in, he’ll do what he always does here: keep finding and hit the frame.
Danger: Barton Snow is priced like the most likely winner (best 15/8), and his 147 rating/130 topspeed combo is the best in the book.
Live odds comparison
| Horse | bet365 | betfair | betfred | paddypower | skybet | williamhill | Best odds | Best book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barton Snow | 15/8 | 13/8 | 7/4 | 13/8 | 13/8 | 15/8 | 15/8 | bet365 |
| Its On The Line | 4/1 | 4/1 | 7/2 | 4/1 | 7/2 | 7/2 | 4/1 | bet365 |
| Unexpected Party | 9/2 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 11/2 | 11/2 | williamhill |
| Lets Go Champ | 11/1 | 11/1 | 11/1 | 11/1 | 10/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | williamhill |
| Golden Son | 14/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 12/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | williamhill |
| Thunder Rock | 16/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 12/1 | 14/1 | 16/1 | bet365 |
| Music Drive | 16/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | bet365 |
| Gracchus De Balme | 18/1 | 16/1 | 14/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 18/1 | bet365 |
| Gaboriot | 20/1 | 14/1 | 18/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 20/1 | 20/1 | bet365 |
| Joker De Mai | 20/1 | 20/1 | 20/1 | 20/1 | 16/1 | 22/1 | 22/1 | williamhill |
| Take All | 28/1 | 20/1 | 25/1 | 20/1 | 16/1 | 28/1 | 28/1 | bet365 |
| A Moments Madness | 28/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 22/1 | 28/1 | 28/1 | bet365 |
| Famous Clermont | 28/1 | 33/1 | 28/1 | 33/1 | 28/1 | 25/1 | 33/1 | betfair |
| Willewonga | 40/1 | 35/1 | 28/1 | 35/1 | 28/1 | 33/1 | 40/1 | bet365 |
| Snipe | 33/1 | 40/1 | 33/1 | 40/1 | 28/1 | 33/1 | 40/1 | betfair |
| Fairly Famous | 40/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 28/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | williamhill |
| A Jet Of Our Own | 50/1 | 40/1 | 40/1 | 40/1 | 33/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | bet365 |
| Fan De Blues | 50/1 | 40/1 | 40/1 | 40/1 | 33/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | bet365 |
| Java Point | 40/1 | 50/1 | 40/1 | 50/1 | 40/1 | 33/1 | 50/1 | betfair |
| Whats The Solution | 80/1 | 100/1 | 80/1 | 100/1 | 80/1 | 80/1 | 100/1 | betfair |
| Great Notions | 100/1 | 125/1 | 100/1 | 125/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 | 125/1 | betfair |
| Densworth | 100/1 | 125/1 | 100/1 | 125/1 | 125/1 | 125/1 | 125/1 | betfair |
| Empire De Maulde | 125/1 | 125/1 | 100/1 | 125/1 | 125/1 | 100/1 | 125/1 | bet365 |
| Hollywood Harmon | 125/1 | 125/1 | 100/1 | 125/1 | 100/1 | 125/1 | 125/1 | bet365 |
| Enqarde | 125/1 | 125/1 | 100/1 | 125/1 | 125/1 | 150/1 | 150/1 | williamhill |
Betting strategy
This is where you use Aintree racing tips properly: take a win stance with Its On The Line at 4/1, then attack the places with Gaboriot each-way at 20/1 (5 places). Don’t go mad with extra bets — it’s a 25-runner hunters’ chase and certainty doesn’t live here. Barton Snow is the obvious danger, and Unexpected Party is a credible alternative at 11/2.
Tipster selections
| Tipster | Source | Selection |
|---|---|---|
| Ian Gaughran | Irish Herald | Barton Snow |
| Chris Wright | Liverpool Echo | Barton Snow |
| Steve Mullington | William Hill Racing | Gaboriot |
| Farringdon | Morning Star | Java Point |
| Rory Delargy | The Irish Field | Take All |
| Adrian Wall | myracing.com | Take All |
| Fortunatus | Sheffield Star | Thunder Rock |
16:05 – William Hill Aintree Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race)
Race Details: Distance | Class 1 | Going | Prize Money | Jumps
Seven runners, so we get to play it properly: one win bet and one each-way bet. The shape of this race is fascinating because the market is screaming two-horse race (The New Lion and Brighterdaysahead), but the numbers say it’s not that clean. Brighterdaysahead brings the best rating in the field (172) and the best topspeed (166), and she’s also carrying 157 which is a handy edge. The New Lion has a higher rating than most (166) but is notably behind on topspeed (131). If you’re looking for a price to pick up pieces, Golden Ace has a lively 150 topspeed and is double-figure odds.
Top selections
WIN – Brighterdaysahead
Jockey: Jack Kennedy | Trainer: Gordon Elliott | Form: 4-3212 | Rating: 172 | Draw: | Weight: 157
This is the day’s cleanest “best horse wins” angle. Brighterdaysahead tops the pile on rating (172) and she’s also the one with the standout topspeed (166). When you’re backing a Grade 1 hurdle at Aintree, that blend matters: she’s got the class and the gears. The price is a straight 2/1 across the firms, which is fair, and Jack Kennedy is a strong booking on a big stage (our course data has him at 23.81% wins, 61.9% placed). She rates the clear pick.
EACH-WAY – Golden Ace
Jockey: Lorcan Williams | Trainer: Jeremy Scott | Form: -22125 | Rating: 164 | Draw: | Weight: 157
Golden Ace isn’t the most fashionable in here, which is exactly why he makes each-way appeal. He’s rated 164 (so he belongs), and his 150 topspeed is a proper tick in a race where a couple of rivals don’t look as quick as their reputations. You can get 16/1 with Betfair in a seven-runner Grade 1 paying three places — that’s a gift if you think he can run to his data. Lorcan Williams just needs to keep him in touch; if the big two eyeball each other, he’s the one who can sneak a podium.
Live odds comparison
| Horse | bet365 | betfair | betfred | paddypower | skybet | williamhill | Best odds | Best book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The New Lion | 7/4 | 13/8 | 7/4 | 13/8 | 13/8 | 7/4 | 7/4 | bet365 |
| Brighterdaysahead | 2/1 | 2/1 | 2/1 | 2/1 | 2/1 | 2/1 | 2/1 | bet365 |
| El Fabiolo | 11/2 | 6/1 | 11/2 | 11/2 | 11/2 | 6/1 | 6/1 | betfair |
| Alexei | 8/1 | 17/2 | 7/1 | 15/2 | 7/1 | 15/2 | 17/2 | betfair |
| Potters Charm | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 11/1 | 10/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | bet365 |
| Golden Ace | 14/1 | 16/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 16/1 | betfair |
| Lucky Place | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 30/1 | 28/1 | 40/1 | 40/1 | williamhill |
Betting strategy
Win bet: Brighterdaysahead at 2/1 is the standout on rating and topspeed. For value, Golden Ace each-way at 16/1 with three places is the bet that can make your day even if the favourite wins. If you’re worried about one sneaking into the frame, El Fabiolo at 6/1 is the obvious “name” threat.
Tipster selections
| Tipster | Source | Selection |
|---|---|---|
| Rob Wright | The Times | Brighterdaysahead |
| Computeform | The Racing App | The New Lion |
| The Judge | The Favourite | Potters Charm |
| Sam Hardy | Weekender | Brighterdaysahead |
| Glendale | The Scotsman | Brighterdaysahead |
| Ross Shepherd | Wrexham Leader | Brighterdaysahead |
16:40 – Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)
Race Details: Distance | Class 1 | Going | Prize Money | Jumps
Fifteen runners, premier handicap, and the sort of race where you want a clear view on pace and profile — except we don’t have pace data in the feed, so we do it the old-fashioned way: recent form plus the numbers. Sans Bruit is favourite at 3/1 despite a patchy-looking formline (-66544), but he’s still one of the top-rated at 154 and his topspeed (136) says he’s not finished. Highlands Legacy looks the improver with 4-1221 and a fair 140 topspeed. At a price, Palamon is interesting: he arrives off a win (696451), carries just 142, and is trained by Dan Skelton who loves having runners for these Aintree handicaps.
Top selections
WIN – Highlands Legacy
Jockey: Jonjo O’Neill Jr | Trainer: Jonjo & A J O’Neill | Form: 4-1221 | Rating: 148 | Draw: | Weight: 155
I’m happy opposing the short favourite with a horse who’s actually arriving in form. Highlands Legacy’s profile screams “still on the up”: 4-1221 and a 140 topspeed that stacks up well in a handicap. The mark (148) and weight (155) look workable, and Jonjo O’Neill Jr is a good fit for a race where you need to be positive without getting lit up. The value point is the price: 5/1 with William Hill when plenty will default to Sans Bruit at 3/1. That’s the bet in this field.
EACH-WAY – Palamon
Jockey: Harry Atkins | Trainer: Dan Skelton | Form: 696451 | Rating: 153 | Draw: | Weight: 142
Palamon is messy on the page, but that last-time win (the ‘1’ at the end) matters, and he’s dangerously well treated on weight compared with most of these: 142 is a feather in a premier handicap chase. The topspeed is only 114, so we’re not pretending he’s a certainty — this is a pure “price vs risk” play. At 14/1 with Bet365 in a race paying four places, I can live with it. Skelton’s got two in the 15:30 Foxhunters as well; he clearly fancies having a day.
Danger: Sans Bruit is the obvious one if he finally clicks back into gear; he’s 3/1 everywhere and has the highest rating among the prominent contenders (154).
Live odds comparison
| Horse | bet365 | betfair | betfred | paddypower | skybet | williamhill | Best odds | Best book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sans Bruit | 3/1 | 3/1 | 3/1 | 3/1 | 3/1 | 3/1 | 3/1 | bet365 |
| Highlands Legacy | 9/2 | 4/1 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 4/1 | 5/1 | 5/1 | williamhill |
| Javert Allen | 6/1 | 11/2 | 5/1 | 11/2 | 6/1 | 11/2 | 6/1 | bet365 |
| Stencil | 7/1 | 6/1 | 6/1 | 6/1 | 11/2 | 6/1 | 7/1 | bet365 |
| Inthepocket | 7/1 | 7/1 | 7/1 | 7/1 | 13/2 | 15/2 | 15/2 | williamhill |
| Palamon | 14/1 | 10/1 | 11/1 | 11/1 | 10/1 | 11/1 | 14/1 | bet365 |
| Wonleg | 12/1 | 12/1 | 11/1 | 14/1 | 11/1 | 11/1 | 14/1 | paddypower |
| Jasko Des Dames | 14/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 11/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | bet365 |
| Ryan’s Rocket | 14/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 12/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | bet365 |
| Brookie | 22/1 | 16/1 | 18/1 | 18/1 | 16/1 | 18/1 | 22/1 | bet365 |
| Petit Tonnerre | 28/1 | 25/1 | 28/1 | 28/1 | 25/1 | 28/1 | 28/1 | bet365 |
| Boothill | 40/1 | 25/1 | 33/1 | 28/1 | 25/1 | 33/1 | 40/1 | bet365 |
| Hercule Du Seuil | 40/1 | 35/1 | 40/1 | 40/1 | 33/1 | 40/1 | 40/1 | bet365 |
| Dr T J Eckleburg | 50/1 | 40/1 | 40/1 | 40/1 | 33/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | bet365 |
| Grain d’Oudairies | 50/1 | 66/1 | 66/1 | 66/1 | 40/1 | 66/1 | 66/1 | betfair |
Betting strategy
Handicap rules: don’t fight the race, find the value. Highlands Legacy is the win bet at 5/1 in a contest where the favourite is opposable on recent form. Palamon is a pure each-way swing at 14/1 (4 places) on the “light weight + recent win” angle. Sans Bruit and Javert Allen are the obvious dangers if you want to cover.
Tipster selections
| Tipster | Source | Selection |
|---|---|---|
| Matt Polley | Ipswich Star | Stencil |
| The Brigadier | punterslounge.com | Sans Bruit |
| Jason Heavey | The Star | Sans Bruit |
| Jim Delahunt | Scottish Sun | Sans Bruit |
| RP Ratings | Racing Post | Sans Bruit |
| Spotlight | Racing Post | Sans Bruit |
| Mercury | Daily Post | Sans Bruit |
| Templegate | The Sun | Javert Allen |
| The Duke | Yorkshire Post | Jasko Des Dames |
| Rockavon | Sunday Mail | Highlands Legacy |
| The Punt | Racing Post | Highlands Legacy |
| Ben Morgan | Racing Ahead | Highlands Legacy |
| Karl Hedley | Irish Post | Highlands Legacy |
| Melissa Jones | D Express | Highlands Legacy |
17:15 – Goffs Nickel Coin Mares’ Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (Grade 2) (GBB Race)
Race Details: Distance | Class 1 | Going | Prize Money | Jumps
Twenty mares, a Grade 2 bumper, and you’ve got the classic Aintree end-of-card puzzle. Ratings can help in bumpers (they’re not perfect, but they’re better than guessing), and our top figure belongs to Ti’mamzel on 134</strong, with Burds Of A Feather and Kiltybo next on 131. The betting is headed by Princess Day (best 4/1) despite her rating being 128 — perfectly solid, but not top. That’s where the value conversation starts. With 4 places on offer, you want one you think can win and one at a price who’s likely to be in the first wave turning for home.
Top selections
WIN – Ti’mamzel
Jockey: Caoilin Quinn | Trainer: Gary & Josh Moore | Form: 121 | Rating: 134 | Draw: | Weight: 156
I’m taking the top-rated mare and letting others pay the “favourite tax”. Ti’mamzel is 134 on our ratings — best in the field — and she’s got a proper bumper profile with 121 in the formline. You can back her at 11/2 with Bet365, which looks generous when the market leader is rated lower. In a big-field bumper, I want something that’s already shown it can win and bounce back, and she fits that bill. If she’s as straightforward as her figures, she’s bang there.
EACH-WAY – Burds Of A Feather
Jockey: Tom Broughton | Trainer: Max Comley | Form: 1 | Rating: 131 | Draw: | Weight: 156
Burds Of A Feather is the “unknown with numbers” play: one run, one win, and a strong 131 rating backed by a 120 topspeed — that’s a serious marker for a mare in this type of race. She’s available at 9/1 with William Hill which is exactly the sort of price I’m happy to play each-way with 4 places. Max Comley isn’t a household name on big days, but the data says the horse has ability. If she’s got any improvement (and most bumpers do), she’s a danger to all.
Danger: Princess Day is respected with a perfect 11 profile and sits near the top on rating (128), but she’s priced accordingly.
Live odds comparison
| Horse | bet365 | betfair | betfred | paddypower | skybet | williamhill | Best odds | Best book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Princess Day | 7/2 | 10/3 | 10/3 | 10/3 | 3/1 | 4/1 | 4/1 | williamhill |
| Nan’s Choice | 11/2 | 4/1 | 5/1 | 9/2 | 4/1 | 11/2 | 11/2 | bet365 |
| Ti’mamzel | 11/2 | 5/1 | 5/1 | 5/1 | 9/2 | 11/2 | 11/2 | bet365 |
| Burds Of A Feather | 17/2 | 8/1 | 8/1 | 8/1 | 15/2 | 9/1 | 9/1 | williamhill |
| Fairy Park | 10/1 | 9/1 | 9/1 | 9/1 | 8/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | williamhill |
| Martini Majesty | 12/1 | 11/1 | 11/1 | 11/1 | 10/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | bet365 |
| Emerald Quest | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 11/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | bet365 |
| Tiktok Casey | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 11/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | bet365 |
| Kiltybo | 14/1 | 12/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 12/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | bet365 |
| Lennon Grove | 14/1 | 12/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 12/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | bet365 |
| Seven Stars | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 18/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 18/1 | paddypower |
| It Would Be You | 25/1 | 22/1 | 22/1 | 22/1 | 18/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | bet365 |
| Divine Diva | 22/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 20/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | betfair |
| Ladies Day | 25/1 | 33/1 | 28/1 | 33/1 | 28/1 | 28/1 | 33/1 | betfair |
| Brave Lady | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 28/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | bet365 |
| Roxy Russet | 50/1 | 40/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | 40/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | bet365 |
| One Dimensional | 50/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | 40/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | bet365 |
| Peace Belle | 50/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | 40/1 | 66/1 | 66/1 | williamhill |
| Midnight Musical | 66/1 | 50/1 | 66/1 | 66/1 | 50/1 | 66/1 | 66/1 | bet365 |
| Billey Shiftit | 100/1 | 80/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 | 66/1 | 125/1 | 125/1 | williamhill |
Betting strategy
Big-field bumper: don’t overbet. Ti’mamzel is the win bet at 11/2 on being the top-rated mare. Burds Of A Feather is the each-way play at 9/1 with four places thanks to that 131 rating and 120 topspeed on debut. Princess Day is the obvious danger if you just want the proven winning profile.
Tipster selections
| Tipster | Source | Selection |
|---|---|---|
| Rory Paddock | Jersey Evening Post | Martini Majesty |
| Lee Sobot | Yorkshire Evening Post | Princess Day |
Course specialists
Horses to note
| Horse | Runs | Wins | Win rate | Place rate | Prize money |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Protektorat | 5 | 2 | 40% | 40% | 176730 |
| Pic D’Orhy | 3 | 1 | 33.33% | 100% | 140325 |
| Jango Baie | 3 | 1 | 33.33% | 100% | 74192 |
| Empire De Maulde | 4 | 1 | 25% | 75% | 10004.4 |
| Densworth | 3 | 0 | 0% | 66.67% | 606 |
| Petit Tonnerre | 5 | 0 | 0% | 60% | 9046 |
| Gaboriot | 4 | 0 | 0% | 100% | 28975 |
Jockeys to note
| Jockey | Runs | Wins | Win rate | Place rate | Prize money |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Walsh | 30 | 10 | 33.33% | 76.67% | 1416000.1 |
| Mr Sean O’Connor | 3 | 1 | 33.33% | 66.67% | 16497.55 |
| Mr Jack Teal | 4 | 1 | 25% | 75% | 5335.09 |
| Jack Kennedy | 21 | 5 | 23.81% | 61.9% | 862083.3 |
| Mr Huw Edwards | 5 | 1 | 20% | 20% | 27555 |
| Nico de Boinville | 135 | 24 | 17.78% | 56.3% | 1563232.7 |
| Harry Cobden | 124 | 22 | 17.74% | 59.68% | 1514341.96 |
Trainers to note
| Trainer | Runs | Wins | Win rate | Place rate | Prize money |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| James Owen | 5 | 3 | 60% | 80% | 18028.65 |
| C R Barber | 3 | 1 | 33.33% | 33.33% | 24155 |
| Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies | 12 | 3 | 25% | 58.33% | 88045.1 |
| Emmet Mullins | 12 | 3 | 25% | 50% | 680156.62 |
| Jane Williams | 4 | 1 | 25% | 75% | 15932.2 |
| Peter Fahey | 11 | 2 | 18.18% | 27.27% | 104244.5 |
| J J O’Shea | 12 | 2 | 16.67% | 41.67% | 46094.4 |
Summary & best bets
Plenty of people overcomplicate Aintree Thursdays. Don’t. Use the data, respect the big-race riders, and keep stakes sensible in the lotteries. For me, the headline Aintree racing tips are built around three pillars: one proper banker, one clean Grade 1 opinion, and one each-way angle where the market’s asleep.
NAP of the Day: Brighterdaysahead (16:05) – top-rated (172) and top on topspeed (166), with Jack Kennedy booked. She looks the most solid “win bet” on the card at 2/1.
Banker: Lulamba (14:20) – 173 rating and 160 topspeed in a five-runner Grade 1, and 4/6 is short for a reason.
Best Value Bet: Golden Ace each-way (16:05) – 16/1 for a horse with a 150 topspeed and a 164 rating in a seven-runner race paying three places is the sort of value you have to take.
Each-Way Special: Gaboriot (15:30) – 20/1 with 5 places, and our course data says he’s 4-from-4 for placing at Aintree. That’s exactly the profile you want in a Foxhunters war.
FAQ
What are the best Aintree racing tips for today?
On our data-led preview: Lulamba (14:20) is the banker, Brighterdaysahead (16:05) is the best Grade 1 win bet, and Golden Ace (16:05) is the standout each-way value at 16/1.
How many places are paid each-way in the Foxhunters (15:30)?
Our odds data shows 5 places at 1/5 the odds.
Which horse has the strongest course profile at Aintree?
From our course specialists list, Gaboriot has a 100% place rate at Aintree (4 runs, 4 places). Among today’s Grade 1 chasers, Jango Baie and Pic D’Orhy both have a 100% place rate from three runs.
Which jockey has the best Aintree record in today’s fields?
Our course data highlights Mark Walsh with 10 wins from 30 rides (33.33% win rate) and a huge 76.67% place rate at Aintree.
Is the Red Rum Handicap (16:40) a good race for outsiders?
It can be, because it’s a 15-runner premier handicap. The market is tight around Sans Bruit (3/1), but our preview leans to Highlands Legacy at 5/1 and a bigger-priced each-way swing on Palamon at 14/1.
Responsible Gambling: 18+ only. Please gamble responsibly. For help and support visit BeGambleAware.org or GamCare.org.uk. National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133. Affiliate disclosure: gg.co.uk may earn commission if you sign up or place a bet via links on this page.