UK Horse Racing Tips: Aintree

In what would appear to be a wide-open contest, a chance is taken on HENRY'S FRIEND. Ben Pauling's charge was a wide-margin winner over C&D on his debut and that experience ought to stand him in good stead. Unbeaten in two bumpers, Grey Dawning makes significant appeal, as does point-to-point winner Fortunate Soldier, who was bought for 200,000 euros. Glengeever arrives in search of a hat-trick and is respected, for all that it won't be easy conceding weight all round.
Prediction : 1st Henrys Friend 2nd Grey Dawning 3rd Fortunate Soldier

A case can be made for many and with that in mind, only a tentative vote can go to FLIGHT DECK. The Jonjo O'Neill-trained eight-year-old signed off his last campaign with a win at Carlisle in December (from 3lb lower), and his ability to go well fresh makes him a likely candidate. Milan Bridge is of obvious interest on his reappearance, along with the admirably consistent Gericault Roque, who reverts to hurdling having finished an excellent second in the Ultima at the Cheltenham Festival.
Prediction : 1st Flight Deck 2nd Milan Bridge 3rd Gericault Roque

Olly Murphy landed last year's renewal with Linelee King and appears to hold every chance again with DOCTOR KEN, who carries the same colours. The six-year-old showed a fair level of form over hurdles, but he ought to appreciate the switch to fences and he's fancied to repel the likely challenge of Ree Okka, who races in a first-time tongue-tie and has had wind surgery since letting down favourite-backers in a Grade 3 handicap hurdle at Sandown. Monbeg Genius and Bowtogreatness can battle it out for third.
Prediction : 1st Doctor Ken 2nd Ree Okka 3rd Monbeg Genius

A competitive Grand Sefton in which preference is for the Alan King-trained SENIOR CITIZEN. He has a proven record over these fences and finished an excellent second behind Mac Tottie off a 1lb lower mark last year. He crossed the line in mid-division in the Topham in April but can be excused for that run and the fact he returns off a break should not stop him today. Al Dancer is an interesting contender for Sam Thomas in retained cheekpieces and is feared ahead of Gesskille and Broken Halo.
Prediction : 1st Senior Citizen 2nd Al Dancer 3rd Gesskille

BREWIN'UPASTORM was last seen pulling up behind Epatante in the Grade 1 Betway Hurdle here in April, but landed this race by an impressive nine lengths on his reappearance after wind surgery last season. He returns following another wind op and gets 4lb from Langer Dan, despite being rated 10lb higher. Dan Skelton's charge is still his biggest danger because he won a Grade 3 handicap over C&D so well at the Grand National meeting, although the classy and versatile Dashel Drasher can't be dismissed lightly.
Prediction : 1st Brewinupastorm 2nd Langer Dan 3rd Dashel Drasher

GALOP DE CHASSE has been a beaten favourite on his last two starts, but this may be the time to catch him because he struck on his return last term and any ease in underfoot conditions will only enhance his prospects. Sir Tivo has been kept busy throughout the summer, winning at Stratford and most recently taking advantage of his novice status to score easily over hurdles at Warwick. Gunsight Ridge has had a wind operation since pulling up at the Grand National meeting here and must be considered closely.
Prediction : 1st Galop De Chasse 2nd Sir Tivo 3rd Gunsight Ridge

Keith Dalgleish landed this race in 2019 and looks to have another ideal candidate in NOTIMEFORANOTHER. He was well supported in the betting when second at Market Rasen on debut and that experience should stand him in good stead. Iain Jardine is represented by Prontoanita, who runs for the same connections that landed a gamble in a bumper at Ayr last Saturday. Any market support behind choicely-bred newcomers Point Franklin and Rouse would be significant.
Prediction : 1st Notimeforanother 2nd Paddy Elvis 3rd Prontoanita