13:30 Aintree

Leg 1 Selections: Willaston

WILLASTON built upon that effort when beating a good horse in the shape of Captain Tom Cat at Hexham. I know he was getting quite a lot of weight from the eventual runner-up but he won with quite a bit in hand and his performance can be marked up further too, as the second, who’s rated 130 in this sphere and 144 over fences, was allowed to dictate. He should remain competitive off only a three pounds higher mark. 

14:05 Aintree

Leg 2 Selections: Forza Milan 

FORZA MILAN has been given a good chance by the handicapper here and could get involved at large odds. He was last of four when last spotted and has shown some signs of decline but the ten-year-old has previously run well at this course and his last two visits to the UK have seen him run well at Cheltenham twice. Any arrival of rain will be beneficial towards his chances and it’s possible this race has been his early-season target.  

14:40 Aintree

Leg 3 Selections: Hitman 

HITMAN hasn’t always looked the strongest when push comes to shove at the business end but he’s a smooth traveller and is sure to get a good pace to aim here with the likes of Ga Law, Captain Tom Cat and Soldier Of Destiny all expected to go forward early doors. Paul Nicholls has expressed that he will improve for the run but there’s no doubt he’s the class act in the field being a three-time Grade One runner-up and is fancied to give weight and beating to these. 

15:15 Aintree

Leg 4 Selections: Gentleman At Arms 

GENTLEMAN AT ARMS should be pushing for favouritism here, who enjoyed an excellent first season over hurdles, winning twice and finishing runner-up in Listed, Grade Two and Grade One events. It was a career-best performance when second in a Grade One at this course in April and he makes his handicap debut off 143 today, which should be manageable, given he’s proven at the highest level. He has an outstanding chance. 

15:52 Aintree

Leg 5 Selections: Ginny’s Destiny 

GINNY’S DESTINY ran well when second on debut to what could also turn out to be a smart prospect before going one better in great style at Chepstow next time, looking better the further he went. He should prove an even stronger proposition now faced with a set of hurdles and the step up in distance should suit too, so he looks sure to go on to bigger things this season and could turn out to be better than most of these. 

16:30 Aintree

Leg 6 Selections: Kinondo Kwetu 

KINONDU KWETU has made a very good start to his chase career, improving to stretch his unbeaten record over fences to four wins in a row nine days ago. He has gone up another eight pounds but he’s clearly loving this discipline and he probably hasn’t stopped improving either with more to come. This track should play to his strengths and I can see him having too many gears and power for his three rivals.