The Grand National Festival gets underway at Aintree on Thursday with seven races across the afternoon. Our tipster has gone through every race on the card with a selection, analysis and the recommended bookmaker for each bet.
Today’s headline selection is Highlands Legacy at 7/1 each-way in the 4:40, with Winston Junior at 5/1 each-way the opening race pick and Brighterdaysahead at 9/4 in the Grade One Aintree Hurdle.
A cracking contest to kick off the 3-day Grand National meeting with a strong field for this juvenile hurdle, where the Triumph Hurdle 2nd, 3rd and 4th (from Cheltenham) reoppose here. It wouldn’t surprise me if any of the top 5 in the betting were to be successful here with strong graded form on show from the market principals. My preference is for a horse who ran in a handicap at Cheltenham, though with WINSTON JUNIOR (5/1) being the pick for me. I believe the form of that Fred Winter will work out to be graded level, and I believe my charge can hold his own in Grade 1 company for the first time. Harry Cobden is back on board today, and I think that’s a positive (didn’t love the ride from Jack Kennedy at Cheltenham). The horse has plenty of speed and I think he’ll love the track and may be too quick for a couple of his market rivals. I think he’s the Each Way play in the race at 5/1.
Back Winston Junior 5/1 EW bet365 (3 places)
2:20 – William Hill Manifesto Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) – MAMBONUMBERFIVE
Lulamba looks the most likely winner here, but he’s short enough now and not one I really want to chance following a tame end to his Arkle effort 4 weeks ago. Koktail Divin is a strong rival, but I would have concerns over him too, due to him having quite a hard race over 3m1 at Cheltenham in the Brown Advisory. I have a soft spot for MAMBONUMBERFIVE (16/1), and I’m happy to find a play or 2 on him here. He comes here fresh after being a NR on the day of the Arkle (after being declared late), and I think that will improve his chances for this. He’s won at Aintree this season already, and I think the step up in trip will see further improvement in the Ben Pauling-trained 5-year-old. I’ll be advising backing him in the without markets, and I think he’s massively overpriced in both.
Back Mambonumberfive w/o Lulamba 11/2 win only bet365
Back Mambonumberfive w/o Lulamba & Koktail Divin 15/8 win only bet365
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2:55 – Racing Welfare Bowl Chase (Grade 1) – JANGO BAIE (11/10)
I think JANGO BAIE’s (11/10) run behind Gaelic Warrior in this year’s Gold Cup is the standout form in this race, and if he’s come out of that well, then he’s the standout horse in the field and he’s a value bet at 11/10 for me. All horses line up having had quietish seasons and should have plenty to offer the race, but I have a strong preference for the favourite, who should outclass his 4 rivals and turn around the form with Impaire Et Passe from last season’s Manifesto Novices Chase.
The late money at Cheltenham for BARTON SNOW (11/4) was vindicated after he put in an impressive display to beat It’s On The Line by a neck 4 weeks ago in the division’s feature at Prestbury Park. He is now the right favourite and the one they all have to beat following that success. There was a stamina concern over him that day, but there wasn’t a need to worry with the horse still on the bridle despite blundering the last. The Aintree edition of the Foxhunters is a considerable drop in trip, and that should suit this horse even more, as he doesn’t lack gears and has won at the minimal trip. It’s On The Line is the main danger, but I cannot see how he can turn that form around, and I’d be surprised if Barton Snow can’t double up here.
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4:05 – William Hill Aintree Hurdle (Grade 1) – BRIGHTERDAYSAHEAD (9/4)
I think the race is between the top 2 in the betting, and it’s no surprise to see them neck and neck in the market. It’s difficult to choose and split the Champion Hurdle form, but my preference will just about be with the mare BRIGHTERDAYSAHEAD (9/4). She’s posted a higher figure in the past, and I believe her best form is still significantly better than The New Lion. The Gordon Elliott-trained charge hacked up over course/distance as a novice, and as long as she has come out of the Champion Hurdle OK, then I think she can put in a similar performance again. Her running style seems to suit Aintree, and she will love the long straight that this course offers. She can be a bit in/out, and the trainer’s spring form could be a worry, but she’s the one I want to be on, and I think she’s the one to beat.
I hope The New Lion runs well and they step him up to 3m next season, where I believe he will be seen in a better light.
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4:40 – Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Chase – HIGHLANDS LEGACY (7/1 EW)
My main fancy of the day comes in this, and I’m really sweet on HIGHLANDS LEGACY (7/1). The O’Neill team will be hoping that getting balloted out of the Grand Annual at Cheltenham was a blessing in disguise, as the horse now comes here fresh and with a massive chance. This has to be one of the best handicapped horses in training based on some of his runs this season, and I think his form line can be franked 2 hours earlier when Mambonumberfive runs (Highland Legacy was 2nd behind him at Aintree in November). He has finished in front of Glengouly & Lookaway, who have both gone on to claim big handicap chase prices since then and are now significantly higher in their ratings. I believe my selection will be joining them after winning this.
Back Highlands Legacy 7/1 Each Way (4 places) bet365
5:15 – Doom Bar Sefton Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) – PRINCESS DAY (10/3)
I’ve been coy on PRINCESS DAY since the entries (and betting) came out, and I have no reason to desert her as they go to post. The mare comes here with 2 wins next to her name this season, including an impressive display last time out in a mare’s bumper at Newbury. Trainer Jeremy Scott really likes this horse, and I think she can improve again and show her class now she’s up in grade. She seems a relentless galloper, and I think she’ll love the Aintree straight.
Back Princess Day 10/3 bet365
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Adam O’Brien is a seasoned horse racing tipster with a particular focus on Cheltenham Festival ante-post betting. With years of experience analysing form, trainer patterns, and festival trends, Adam provides expert insights to help punters navigate the high-stakes world of National Hunt racing. Known for his clear, practical advice and knack for spotting value in early markets, he has built a reputation among both casual punters and serious Festival followers.
