Aintree’s Grand National Festival is the second of National Hunt racing’s three big spring festivals and it kicks off on Thursday. There are no fewer than four Grade 1 races on the Day 1 and if all four favourites were to win, it would be a nightmare start to the three-day meeting for the bookies. We’ve combined them into a juicy acca so best of luck if you have a play. Check out our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.
Jango Baie (7/4, bet365) came from nowhere to land the Arkle at Cheltenham, over a clearly inadequate trip, and the return to 2m4f is a massive positive. Better ground seems to suit this horse and he’s definitely the one they all have to beat.
Lulamba (1/1, bet365) looked booked for victory in the Triumph hurdle but was collared late on by the Willie Mullins-trained Poniros. Nicky Henderson’s gelding arrived with a big reputation and it would be no surprise if he was to go one better this time around.
Grey Dawning (2/1, bet365) skipped Cheltenham in favour of running at Kelso before coming here and that could pay dividends. He looked like Britain’s leading Gold Cup hope at the start of the season but things haven’t quite gone to plan since. His last time out success will be a big confidence-booster and he should have every chance.
Constitution Hill (4/6, bet365) is clearly showing no ill effects after his fall in the Champion Hurdle and Nicky Henderson’s superstar is the one to beat once again. It will be a great race if both Lossiemouth and Brighterdaysahead line up but Constitution Hill is well ahead on ratings.
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