1.35 Aintree

Strip out one uncompleted start and two seasonal reappearances then THE LAST SAMURI (Best price 14-1 five places) boasts the outstanding figures of 1112112 over fences. Those impressive stats make him of interest in today’s Becher Chase even under top weight as the decent underfoot conditions will help a horse with a decent cruising speed. A recent trip to Ireland should have blown away the cobwebs and, although raised 10lb for that fine run in the National, The Last Samurai possesses the class to put up a bold show especially with some firms offering five places.

The Last Samuri - 0.5pts e/w @ 14/1

2.10 Aintree

I have been waiting a while for LEONCAVALLO (Best price 6-1) to tackle a stiffer test of stamina and I can’t let him go unbacked over today’s trip. The selection has looked short of pace at two miles in two starts this term, but has been far from disgraced in warm company on either occasion, especially last time in the Greatwood Hurdle, so this afternoon’s examination looks perfect for a horse that stays well on the level.

Leoncavallo - 0.5pts e/w @ 6/1

2.40 Aintree

The form of the National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham festival has taken a handsome enhancement this season with runner-up Native River landing last Saturday’s Hennessy and it could be time for MINELLA ROCCO (Best price 9-4) to deliver. Jonjo O’Neill’s stayer should step up significantly on his Cheltenham comeback where he made good late headway following a patient ride and, although occasionally displaying flashes of quirkiness, Minella Rocco may prove the answer to a tricky heat. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Le Mercurey bounce back now he steps up to three miles - a trip which will definitely assist his chance and he shouldn’t be written off despite a subdued Irish comeback.

Minella Rocco - 1pt @ 9/4

3.15 Aintree

I was really taken with the manner of VALADOM’s (Best price 11-1) Bangor success last time and, if he can find an early rhythm, today’s test should be to his liking. Richard Hobson’s grey created a magnificent impression when galloping and jumping a decent field into submission at the Welsh venue and he looks tailor-made for a bold spin around the National fences.

Valadom - 0.5pts e/w @ 11/1

1.55 Sandown

Marracudja and Charbel look likely to provide a strong gallop here and there appears a real possibility the two front-runners could conspire to damage each other’s prospects. ALTIOR is unlikely to be far off the speed and the selection, a most impressive winner of the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle in March, routed his sole rival at Kempton on his chasing bow and looks a tremendously exciting recruit. However, I wonder if there is some value to be had in risking a little on MAX WARD (Best price ) to chase home Altior. A smooth winner on good ground on his comeback at Huntingdon, the seven-year-old is housed in a stable which boast an excellent record with their two-mile chasers and he could well be ridden to pick up the pieces late on.

Max Ward ‘without Altior’ - 1pt @ 2/1

2.25 Sandown

Dan Skelton loves nothing more than landing a valuable handicap hurdle and it could be worth taking a chance with INDIETIR (Best priced 11-2) who makes his UK debut today. The French recruit looked a smart prospect in his native country last term, finishing the season with a creditable display in a Grade 2 Hurdle so it was interesting to read Skelton’s pre-season comments that his charge was originally earmarked for a valuable Haydock event earlier this season. That plan went out of the window, but Indietir takes his chance today from what appears a fair mark and he ould be a live one before heading to Ascot over Christmas for the old ‘Ladbroke’ Hurdle.

Indietir - 0.5pts e/w @ 11/2

3.00 Sandown

Punters who backed Douvan into odds-on favouritism in the ante-post markets certainly are mad as last year’s Arkle Chase winner was left at home by Willie Mullins who instead relies on Un De Sceaux for today’s showpiece. However, it’s the horse of a similar name, AR MAD (Best price 4-1) who could light up today’s Betfair Tingle Creek Chase. The front-running selection is all speed and the sight of him attacking Sandown’s railway fences in the Henry VIII Novices’ Chase on this card 12 months ago was one of the highlights of the last jumps season. Sadly, Moore’s gelding was ruled out of a shot at the Arkle Chase in March through injury and there is always an element of doubt how a horse of his type will return from an enforced layoff. However, Ar Mad is an exuberant character by nature so may be sharp for his return and he is reported to have schooled with his trademark enthusiasm and precision ahead of this afternoon’s comeback.

Ar Mad - 1pt @ 4/1

3.30 Sandown

CONAS TAOI (Best price 8-1) appeals as a touch of value to lift a tricky finale at the Esher venue. The selection bolted up by a wide margin at the track 12 months ago and made giant strides last term so should strip a good deal fitter for his Cheltenham comeback with today’s step up in trip sure to suit. His small yard has struck twice this week – including at Sandown yesterday with a staying hurdler - and he appeals off a light weight with plenty of pace to run at.

Read Sam Turner's tips every day in the Daily Mail or at www.dailymail.co.uk/racing

Conas Taoi - 0.5pts e/w @ 8/1