UK Horse Racing Tips: Aintree

Edwardstone built on the promise he showed in bumpers last season when scoring in a warm novice hurdle at Wincanton last month and the son of Kayf Tara warrants plenty of respect under a penalty. That said, it will take a decent performance to beat HARRY SENIOR, who has acquitted himself well on both his outings over timber, most notably when second to a smart prospect at Exeter last time, and already boasts a BHA rating of 133. Champagne Mist, a winner at Uttoxeter over 2m4f in September, and Chance A Tune appear best of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Harry Senior 2nd Edwardstone 3rd Champagne Mist

CASABLANCA MIX kept on strongly to land a Listed handicap over the extended 2m5f at Market Rasen in the summer and if fully tuned up for this comeback assignment, Nicky Henderson's seven-year-old could take plenty of stopping. Atlanta Ablaze knuckled down well to strike in a mares' Listed contest last time and commands respect, though Listen Dear has Grade 3-winning chase form to her name as a novice and is feared most in receipt of 4lb from the aforementioned pair.
Prediction : 1st Casablanca Mix 2nd Listen Dear 3rd Atlanta Ablaze

SAMMY BILL looked one to keep on the right side of when slamming his rivals by 11 lengths on his seasonal/fencing bow at Kempton and looks the most likely winner with Fixed Rate, who has been off the track for 13 months, having an absence to overcome. Rebel Royal has been handed an 11lb rise for his easy victory at Huntingdon in October and has place claims along with Amoola Gold, who is entitled to strip fitter for his reappearance outing at Newbury.
Prediction : 1st Sammy Bill 2nd Fixed Rate 3rd Amoola Gold

MOUNT MEWS, a silver medallist in a Grade 1 novice hurdle in 2017, rattled the crossbar at Wetherby on his return from 225 days off and remains well treated off a 2lb higher mark, with cheekpieces now tried. Market Rasen second Notre Pari now makes the switch to the handicap ranks, while his stablemate Whiskey In The Jar has always been held in high regard and gives Olly Murphy a strong hand in this. Mason Jar can't be ruled out either, with One Night In Milan and Clyne others who have to be considered.
Prediction : 1st Mount Mews 2nd Notre Pari 3rd Mason Jar

WALK IN THE MILL was just over four lengths clear of the 2016 winner Vieux Lion Rouge when taking this 12 months ago and Robert Walford's nine-year-old has a great chance of defending his crown off a 4lb higher mark. He clearly enjoys the challenge these fences present having finished fourth in the Grand National in the spring and the addition of cheekpieces on this occasion strengthens his claims. Nigel Twiston-Davies has a good record in the race and relies on his Charlie Hall Chase winner Ballyoptic this time around. Definitly Red and Alpha Des Obeaux add a touch of class to this contest and there is every chance a solid showing here could book a return ticket for the spring. Mulcahys Hill was back to his very best when seeing off Wholestone at Cheltenham and could be the type to relish this assignment, with As De Mee and One For Arthur others to respect.
Prediction : 1st Walk In The Mill 2nd Mulcahys Hill 3rd Ballyoptic

Only a short head separated MIDNIGHTS' GIFT and Break The Rules when they met at Fakenham and it would be no surprise to see them fight out the finish once again, with Alan King's daughter of Midnight Legend tentatively backed to confirm superiority. Operatic Export was a winner on the Flat when with Jim Bolger and is pitched straight into a hot contest on her debut for Dr Richard Newland, while there should be more to come from Gavrocheka, who shaped nicely to finish second at Ludlow.
Prediction : 1st Midnights Gift 2nd Break The Rules 3rd Gavrocheka

2018 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner NATIVE RIVER has a touch of class compared to this field and is fancied to make his seasonal reappearance a winning one for Colin Tizzard. The nine-year-old was third in the King George and fourth in the blue riband last season, and he won a Grade 1 here as a novice. Might Bite was disappointing last season but is reportedly pleasing Nicky Henderson at home, while Black Corton is consistent and deserves respect as the only contender with race-fitness on his side.
Prediction : 1st Native River 2nd Might Bite 3rd Black Corton

Course specialist ULTRAGOLD needed his Ascot reappearance 35 days ago and is fancied to prove a different animal now returning to the National fences under Tom Scudamore. The veteran was third in the Becher Chase last season, just failing to get home, and should appreciate this drop to 2m5f. He won the Topham in 2018 over this trip and would be tough to stop if performing to that sort of level. Touch Kick represents last year's winning connections and has the right sort of profile for this event, while Gold Present's prospects would improve if the weather remained dry.
Prediction : 1st Ultragold 2nd Touch Kick 3rd Gold Present