13:45
Aintree
Odds correct as of 9:58am 08th Apr
The Aintree Festival gets underway on Thursday and we have an excellent seven-race card to look forward to. There are no fewer than four Grade 1 races on Day 1 and the main event is the Aintree Hurdle, in which the Champion Hurdle second and third are set to clash again.
Willie Mullins landed a magnificent four-timer on this card last year and he sends over three runners this time around. With that in mind, there could be plenty of interest in this 111/1 treble. Take a look at our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.
Selma De Vary (11/4, bet365) was an impressive winner in France before joining Mullins and she showed a significant amount of potential when second to Narciso Has at Leopardstown on stable debut. She was perhaps a little unlucky in the Triumph Hurdle and should be in the mix once again.
Impaire Et Passe (4/1, bet365) appears to like it here at Aintree, having won the Aintree Hurdle two seasons ago and coming out on top in the Manifesto Novices’ Chase last year. He never looked comfortable in the Ryanair Chase last time out so you can put a line through that effort and better is expected on this occasion. Mullins’ eight-year-old is thoroughly unexposed over three miles.
El Fabiolo (5/1, bet365) hasn’t quite reached the heights that he threatened to earlier on in his career and hurdles have revitalised him somewhat this season. He was an impressive winner of two average races at Punchestown and Leopardstown but struggled over two miles in the Irish Champion Hurdle. This trip is likely to suit and his best chase form gives him every chance.
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