Day two of the Aintree Festival gets underway with the Mildmay Novices' Chase at 1.45pm, and it looks a cracking renewal on paper despite there being only 6 runners.
MILDMAY NOVICES’ CHASE
The favourite, Inothewayurthinkin, appears to have very solid claims after hacking up at Cheltenham last month, whilst Heart Wood should improve for the further step up in trip and will be a danger to all, but slight preference is for IROKO.
This horse did us a big favour when winning last season’s Martin Pipe Hurdle, and he looked like a chaser to follow when winning impressively on his debut over fences at Warwick. He’ll strip fitter here after an encouraging return in the Turners Novices' Chase.
WILLIAM HILL HANDICAP HURDLE
The first big betting race of the day is the William Hill Handicap Hurdle and it could be a quick fire double for the Greenall / Guerriero training combination as MAKING HEADWAY looks well treated at the foot of the handicap.
IN THE WATERSIDE also looks well handicapped and could be the biggest danger, whilst two outsiders to consider are ICARE ALLEN and Guard Your Dreams, with slight preference for the former.
TOP NOVICES’ HURDLE
The novice hurdlers are up next and sadly, both mares have been taken out of the race this morning, which weakens the contest somewhat.
It also takes away the each way angle, so we would suggest backing FIREFOX to reverse Cheltenham form with Mystical Power, where the two finished second and third in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle.
MELLING CHASE
The day’s big race is the Melling Chase at 3.30pm.
At this stage, it is hard to know if Sir Gino won yesterday because of the form of the Nicky Henderson yard or despite it, but if Jonbon is at his best here he will be very hard to beat.
For now, a safer alternative looks to be the 2½ mile specialist, PIC D’ORHY, whilst MINELLA DRAMA could be worth an each way interest with one of the bookmakers that is offering three places.
TOPHAM HANDICAP CHASE
Action over the National fences today comes courtesy of the Topham Chase, where the three we fancy are CELEBRE D’ALLEN, GRANDADS COTTAGE and CLASSIC GETWAY.
Your Darling and Frero Banbou are others to consider.
SEFTON NOVICES’ HURDLE
Our selections in the Sefton Novices' Hurdle are CROKE PARK and CHERIE DAM.
ALDER HEY HANDICAP HURDLE
In the final race of the day, our picks are DENSWORTH, PARTY VIBES and PIKAR.
