Paul Nicholls bids for 4,414-1 six-timer at Aintree on Thursday

The first day of the Grand National meeting at Aintree on Thursday could be one way traffic for Paul Nicholls. With strong claims in the first six races of the day – the last five on ITV Racing – Nicholls could land a 4,414/1 six-timer. We will have free horse racing tips every day of the Grand National meeting and of course the big one itself on Saturday afternoon.

1.45 Aintree – SSS Super Alloys Manifesto Novices’ Chase

Hitman didn’t have to be close to his best to win over this trip at Newbury last time at prohibitive odds. That said, he did show that a sounder surface was no issue for him and that will have done his confidence the power of good after a fall at Sandown. He avoided Cheltenham and that move coming here fresh can pay off.

2.20 Aintree – Doom Bar Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle

A perfect 4/4 so far over hurdles, Monmiral holds strong claims to make that five. He has not been hard pushed to win those, beating a pair of solid yardsticks last time. He shapes as if a speed track will suit him better than his opponents given his cruising speed.

2.50 Aintree – Betway Bowl Chase

Cheekpieces for the first time is an interesting addition for Clan Des Obeaux. Deep ground was an easy excuse for a below par run in the Betfair to start the season but his King George and Denman defeats are not so easy. He does shape as if he could help for headgear and if that is the case, we all know just how classy he is.

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3.25 Aintree – Betway Aintree Hurdle

The rain getting into the ground was no help to McFabulous at Fontwell last time when behind Brewinupastorm. His run in third behind Thyme Hill and Paisley Park in the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury in the autumn is as smart a piece of form as any in the field. His extra stamina will help late on in a race where most are two milers and front runners.

4.05 Aintree – Rose Paterson Randox Foxhunters

This race has always been the plan for Cat Tiger. Carefully campaigned, he has been seen just once since pulled up in the 2020 Albert Bartlett, that coming in a hunter chase. Despite being a Grade 3 winner and fourth in a Grade 1 over fences in France, that was his first chase for current connections and that long term plan may come to fruition.

4.40 Aintree – Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Chase

He is not the most straightforward but Getaway Trump is a smart performer on his day. The drop back to this trip on a sound surface saw him absolutely bolt up at Doncaster last time. He is nine pounds higher but is more than capable of defying that mark if the cards fall the right way for him again.

Check out the myracing experts’ Aintree betting tips for every day of the festival, and don’t forget to check out the latest Grand National free bets to get a headstart on your festival punting.