UK Horse Racing Tips: Aintree

Having only had five runs over hurdles so far, HIDDEN HEROICS comes into this relatively unexposed compared to some of his rivals and has looked a smart prospect since having a wind operation in December. Willaston was narrowly denied on his first start for Mark Walford but made no mistake when scoring at Hexham last month and this longer trip holds no fears. Thirtyfourstitches had a fine time of it last season winning on no fewer than five occasions and has won when fresh in the past.
Prediction : 1st Hidden Heroics 2nd Willaston 3rd Thirtyfourstitches

WISHING AND HOPING was a comprehensive winner of this race on his first run of the season last year and although he's 7lb higher this time around, Mel Rowley's charge is taken to repeat the feat again, with underfoot conditions sure to suit. Minellacelebration signed off last season with a victory at Fakenham and has shown a clear liking for this track in the past, having won this in 2020. Cloth Cap was pulled out on ground concerns at Chepstow a fortnight ago and merits respect if allowed to take his chance.
Prediction : 1st Wishing And Hoping 2nd Minellacelebration 3rd Cloth Cap

Although conceding plenty of weight all round, this looks an ideal starting point for the Paul Nicholls-trained HITMAN, who was relatively lightly raced last term and has had a wind operation since last seen. The biggest threat may come from Millers Bank, who was an impressive winner of the Manifesto Novices' Chase over C&D in April and can be forgiven his Punchestown run. Do Your Job has a fine record when returning form a break and appeared to improve for the step up in trip when winning his final two starts last term.
Prediction : 1st Hitman 2nd Millers Bank 3rd Do Your Job

Runner in the Sefton Novices' Hurdle here when last seen in April, GENTLEMAN AT ARMS sets a lofty standard on his seasonal return. Stuart Edmund's stable star is arguably at his best over this trip and he should have too much for the admirable Onemorefortheroad, who was ultra-consistent in several of the major handicaps last season. Petit Tonnerre remains with potential despite being pulled up here last time out, while Peking Rose is another with each-way claims.
Prediction : 1st Gentleman At Arms 2nd Onemorefortheroad 3rd Peking Rose

The Tom Lacey stable has been in terrific form of late and he could have a smart one on his hands in the shape of GINNY'S DESTINY, who made quite the impression when scoring at Chepstow in April. The step up in trip should be of no inconvenience either and he is narrowly preferred to The Kniphand, who is bound to improve from a promising hurdling debut at Perth last month. Heezer Geezer is another to note on the back of a 242-day break, whereas Mahons Glory could find this easier than what he was contesting in Ireland.
Prediction : 1st Ginnys Destiny 2nd The Kniphand 3rd Heezer Geezer

It is becoming harder to oppose KINONDO KWETU, who arrives in this seeking to secure his sixth consecutive win this year. An 8lb rise may not be enough to hold him back, given he had gone from 107 to 124 for his four most recent wins, and he can be in the mix once more. Champagnesuperover seems an obvious threat switching to handicap company, while Your Own Story could make his presence felt if ready to roll off a break.
Prediction : 1st Kinondo Kwetu 2nd Champagnesuperover 3rd Your Own Story

A fairly competitive event in which preference is for BOMBAY SAPPHIRE. She makes her stable debut for Nicky Henderson following a comfortable victory at Gowran Park in February, seeing off the well-fancied Walk In The Brise into second by half a length. The aforementioned has improved since and recorded a good win at Downpatrick in June, so the selection boast strong credentials. Ruby Island is feared ahead of Isabella Bee, who makes her Rules debut for a yard who do very well in this sphere.
Prediction : 1st Bombay Sapphire 2nd Ruby Island 3rd Isabella Bee