Day two of Aintree’s Grand National meeting and Olly Murphy has a strong hand in the opening contest.
William Hill Handicap Hurdle
All of his five runners can be given some sort of chance and it may be noteworthy that Sean Bowen has chosen to ride Indeevar Bleu.
However, his price has shortened as a result and some of his other contenders may represent better value as a result.
We were torn between Act Of Authority, who caught our eye at the Festival, and SIR GALAHAD, who should love the ground and comes here fresh after a break. Narrow preference is for the latter.
The main danger could prove to be JOYEUSE, who should be suited by stepping back up in trip today.
Jazzy Matty was the other one near the top of the market that we shortlisted, but for those looking for another option at a bigger price we’d suggest looking at SWINDON VILLAGE.
He’s been keeping good company over 3 miles recently, but those efforts have suggested this step back to 2½ miles is a good move – as is the jockey booking of Johnny Burke.
Mildmay Novices’ Chase
The day’s first Grade 1 is the Mildmay Novices’ Chase over 3m 1f and it features Salver and Wendigo, who both contested last month’s Brown Advisory Chase.
That can be a notoriously tough race for novices and with both also wanting softer ground it could pay to look elsewhere.
MIAMI MAGIC skipped the Festival all together to target this race and that decision could pay dividends here as he looks to have plenty on his favour. He should hopefully have no trouble staying the trip on this ground.
The surface should also suit DOYEN QUEST who could prove a good each way option if all eight go to post.
Top Novices’ Hurdle
The novice hurdlers are up next in another Grade 1 contest at 2.55pm where the Supreme Novices' Hurdle second and fourth do battle again.
They are both horses we really like for the future and Sober Glory deserves to land this big prize after his very game effort at the Festival.
Given that there are only six runners it doesn’t look the most punter friendly of races, but for those looking for a bet it might be worth chancing the Irish raider, STARTING FIFTEEN, in the hope that the ground brings out some improvement in him (which often happens with Irish raiders here).
Melling Chase
The day’s big race is the Melling Chase at 3.30, which features the Ryanair Chase winner, Heart Wood and the Gold Cup fourth Grey Dawning.
It looks a difficult race to weigh up with a number of potential non-stayers in the line up. As a result, we are going to plump for GIDLEIGH PARK, who ran so well at this meeting last year.
He has been plagued by physical issues throughout his career to date, but he is hugely talented when at his best – which is often is after a decent break.
Bet365 are offering three places here, which is noteworthy given that there is every chance of an outsider hitting the frame at a big price.
We think that could be either JPR One or SAINT SEGAL and at his monster price we are going to take a chance on Jane Williams’ runner.
Topham Handicap Chase
In terms of a spectacle, few races outside of the National itself match the Topham and this year’s renewal is off next at 4.05pm.
Our three against the field here are VIROFLAY, who loves to run up with the pace and usually jumps well (both of which are often important attributes for this race), PEAKY BOY who retains untapped potential as long as his jumping holds up, and BOOMBAWN who is starting to come down the handicap and who has a good record on the Mildmay course here.
Sefton Novices’ Hurdle
Our selections in the Sefton Novices' Hurdle are ZEUS POWER and SHADOW PADDY.
Debenhams Handicap Hurdle
Our selections for the final race of the day are LAAFI, GOOLOOGONG and CHARLUS.