Three JP McManus horses to look out for on Day 1 of Aintree’s Grand National Festival

JP McManus is always an owner to look out for at the big meetings and the Grand National Festival kicks off on Thursday. He has three particularly interesting potential runners on Day 1 at Aintree and they could be worth keeping an eye on later this week. We’ll assess his chances of getting off to a good start ahead of Saturday’s Grand National. Check out our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.

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Aintree Bowl Chase

Whilst Corbetts Cross is currently 4/1 favourite for the Grade 1 novice chase on Day 2, it’s certainly interesting that he holds an entry in this race. Only Gerri Colombe and Shishkin are ahead of him in the market, suggesting he’s worthy of lining up here. Connections would certainly gain a strong sense of what they have on their hands ahead of next season if running here and the situation is worth monitoring.

Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Chase

It’s On The Line was very well backed when narrowly being denied at Cheltenham last time out and is understandably amongst the market leaders here. The Emmet Mullins-trained seven-year-old was purchased by McManus just before Cheltenham and will want to see a return on his investment sooner rather than later. He has already gotten the better of Ferns Lock and Billaway this term and a clear round of jumping should put him right in the mix.

Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Chase

Saint Roi saves his best for the spring festivals and ran well enough when sixth in the Grand Annual last time. The handicapper has dropped him 2lb for that effort, which can help his chances here. These competitive handicaps are often decided by small margins and that 2lb could make the difference. Second behind Banbridge in a Grade 1 here last year, a repeat of that effort can facilitate a return to winning ways.

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