‘Writing him off would be a mistake’ – 40/1, 25/1 and 20/1 outsiders on Day 1 at Aintree

The Aintree Festival is one of the highlights of the season and it’s the second of Britain’s big National Hunt spring festivals. Thursday marks Day 1 of the 2025 meeting and there are no fewer than four Grade 1 races to look forward to.

There are plenty of runners and each-way opportunities so we’ve picked out three outsiders at big prices that can outrun their odds. Check out our free tips page for selections in every race at Aintree this week.

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2.20 Aintree

Aviemore (40/1, bet365) was a narrow winner on soft ground at Warwick in February but absolutely bounced off the good to soft ground when bolting up under a penalty at Huntingdon next time. Paul O’Brien has picked the yard’s other runner but Harry Cobden is an excellent deputy and if improving again, this horse could run a big race at a massive price.

14:20

Aintree

Aviemore

Analysis

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2.55 Aintree

Djelo (25/1, bet365) is a very talented horse on his day and writing him off could prove to be a big mistake here. He won the Denman Chase at Newbury on his first start at just shy of three miles and you can pick holes in that form but there’s nothing with the form of his six-length victory over Protektorat in the Peterborough Chase. Softer conditions may be preferred but there’s enough evidence to suggest he’s capable of at least making the frame.

14:55

Aintree

Djelo

Analysis

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4.40 Aintree

Gunsight Ridge (20/1, bet365) appears to go on any ground, having won on anything from good to heavy. Olly Murphy’s runner produced a career-best performance to win a valuable race at Sandown in February and a 3lb rise looks fairly reasonable. It’s likely that he’ll need to step forward again but this previous course and distance winner might be capable of doing so.

16:40

Aintree

Gunsight Ridge

Analysis

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Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply.

CLAIM

Bet £10 & Get £30 In Free Bets

Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply.