Aintree Day 1 Betting Tips for Thursday 11th April
The Grand National meeting is here and our Aintree day 1 tips cover all seven races from Liverpool, starting at 1.45pm.
We have asked Adam O’Brien for his tips and predictions for all the races including the Aintree Bowl and the Aintree Hurdle.
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1.45pm – Close Brothers Manifesto Novices Chase
It is disappointing that only 5 go to post here but 3 of them come via the cracking Turner’s Novices Chase we saw at Cheltenham over the same distance. 4 weeks on from that battle, I believe the race will have a similar feel to it. The top 2 in the market were the first 2 home that day and I can’t see the winner coming from anyone outside of those. Preference goes for the winner of the Cheltenham version, Grey Dawning. I can’t see how Ginnys Destiny can turn that form around on soft ground. There wasn’t much between them at Cheltenham and I expect another good battle here, but the Dan Skelton grey will back up here and show his class again.
Tip – Grey Dawning to win (Evens with William Hill)
2.20pm – Juvenile Hurdle
Another small but select field that sees Sir Gino taking up this assignment following his skipping of Cheltenham due to ill health in the yard. He comes here fresh and with (hopefully) that setback behind him, he’s the one they all have to beat. Others bring form into the race in the shape of DRF winner and Triumph Hurdle 2nd Kargese and Kalif Du Berlais who is 2/2 over hurdles following his hard-fought win in the Adonis in February. Triumph Hurdle 4th Nurburgring also adds depth to the race, and they can all give the favourite something to think about. However, I was keen on Sir Gino throughout the winter and going into Cheltenham and he’s difficult to oppose despite missing Cheltenham. If he shows the performance he put in on trials day then he should win and I believe he will have the beating of all his rivals
Tip – Sir Gino to win (5/6 with Coral)
2.55pm – The Bowl Chase
Another short price fav to add to the list here as I think Gerri Colombe is a good thing. Off the back of what seemed a career best 2nd in the Gold Cup, he comes here with a few things in his favour and the knowledge of knowing he acts on the track following a win as a novice chaser at this meeting last year. The ground should be perfect for him and after a light campaign, as long as the Gold Cup hasn’t left a mark on him, he should take all the beating. His main market rivals aren’t without chances, but it will be heart ruling head on Shishkin following a very stop/start season so far whilst Corbetts Cross really has to show improvement to win this. Bravemansgame has gone backwards since last year’s Gold Cup and doesn’t like the track or the ground & I’m not entirely sure what to make of Ahoy Senor of late. The fav is solid and is the most likely winner
Tip – Gerri Colombe to win (13/8 with William Hill)
3.30pm – Aintree Hurdle
Many question marks over much of the field make this an intriguing race to watch. Can Impaire Et Passe bounce back? Is Bob Olinger just a Grade 2 horse? Isn’t Langer Dan a handicapper? Surely Luccia won’t stay? I’d say the race lacks quality and consistent performers and it is difficult to come down strongly on one here. There isn’t much between the top 2 so my preference would be to take the bigger price on Impaire Et Passe and be hopeful that Willie has freshened him up since the DRF and he can show the form he showed as a novice, for the first time in open company. I think the trip and track would suit him and I’m willing to give him another go this season
Tip – Impaire Et Passe to win (15/8 with bet365)
4.05pm – Foxhunters Chase
The first race of the weekend over the National fences takes us to the Foxhunters where we see amateur riders on display. Always a difficult race to call due to the nature of the race and the age of much of the field. My selection goes to 11 year-old Annamix who I believe has been aimed at the race for quite some time for Patrick & Willie Mullins. A very inconsistent horse whose last 6 runs read F1PU1PU1. Trust issues may occur when backing my mount but I see him as having a big chance. He warmed up for this with a win at Gowran Park in March. That was on heavy ground over 3m1. He will love the soft ground that this race will bring and even though the distance of the race maybe slightly on the shorter side, I don’t see it being a problem as it will take a stayer to get home in the conditions.
Tip – Annamix to win (5/1 with BetUK)
4.40pm – Red Rum Handicap Chase
If I haven’t already fallen off the cliff then I’m on the edge of it when it comes to backing a horse we see in this. Saint Roi has long been my guilty pleasure and I cannot let him go unbacked now. Last seen finishing 6th in the Grand Annual at Cheltenham and 17 lengths behind the favourite here, Unexpected Party. He receives a 12lb swing in the weights now though and that should make him competitive. Once a fine hurdler, Saint Roi hasn’t hit the heights as a chaser but I’m hopeful that today is the day he puts it all together and wins a good pot.
Tip – Saint Roi (each-way) – 6/1 with Coral 4 places
5.15pm – Mares Flat Race
It’s always difficult to get a handle on this race but I’m going with the tried and tested route of ‘back Willies in the bumper’ and backing Baby Kate to collect the winnings for us. Last seen winning at Cheltenham at the November meeting, she has been kept back with this race in mind. She comes here fresh following her being a NR due to a cough at the DRF and im confident she will be rewarded for it.
Tip – Baby Kate to win (3/1 with William Hill)
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