UK Horse Racing Tips: Aintree

An intriguing Manifesto Novices' Chase to kick off the famous Grand National meeting with a small, yet relatively competitive field of five lining up. The Paul Nicholls-trained STAGE STAR caught the eye when bolting up in the Turners' at Cheltenham last month and he seems a worthy favourite, at the time of writing, based on the nature of that success. He has barely put a foot wrong since making the switch from timber to fences, with four wins from five chase starts, and he is entitled to add to that tally here. However, Grade 2 chase winner Banbridge was by no means disgraced when filling the runner-up spot in the Irish Arkle in February, despite finishing 10 lengths behind subsequent Arkle hero El Fabiolo, and a stiffer stamina test here can see him sneak even further into contention. Saint Roi finished in third behind his El Fabiolo at Cheltenham last month and is another to consider stepping up in trip.
Prediction : 1st Stage Star 2nd Banbridge 3rd Saint Roi

Milton Harris secured his first ever Grade 1 success in this contest last year, when a dramatic finish saw Knight Salute snatch top honours in a stewards' enquiry from the Gordon Elliott-trained Pied Piper. So, it could be worth siding with the Harris-trained SCRIPTWRITER, even though he finished a disappointing sixth in the Adonis behind Nusret at Kempton in February. He has proven to be capable of much more and could well bounce back. The booking of Harry Cobden has to warrant a lot of respect and the gelded son of Churchill can deliver a bold showing here. Nonetheless, Zenta receives a fillies' allowance and should not be underestimated for powerful connections following a decent third in the Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival last month. As well as Joseph O'Brien's inmate, Greyval and Perseus Way add further spice to the mix.
Prediction : 1st Scriptwriter 2nd Zenta 3rd Nusret

When Ahoy Senor puts in a clear round he looks more than capable of winning a race at this level, but sadly that is never guaranteed with the eight-year-old who fell when leading in the Gold Cup and seemingly going as well as any at the time. He could go close here but preference remains with BRAVEMANSGAME, second in the Cheltenham showpiece and clear of the rest of the field. He was outgunned late on that day in a fast-run race, weakening up the hill, but on better ground and on an easier track, his stamina should not be an issue, assuming he is in good heart after a tough race. Shishkin is potential the fly in the ointment trying 3m-plus for the first time, but he stayed on well despite too many mistakes to finish second in the Ryanair Chase, and if he does get home here with a clear round, he would be a big danger to them all.
Prediction : 1st Bravemansgame 2nd Shishkin 3rd Ahoy Senor

No prizes for suggesting that CONSTITUTION HILL will win this as the reigning Champion Hurdler looks to cement his place as one of the best of all-time, and keep his unbeaten record under Rules intact. He was close to faultless at Cheltenham when beating State Man by nine lengths and although this is his first try at the trip, there is a school of thought that suggests he may even improve for it. Zanahiyr was behind the suggestion in third that day despite a mistake at the last and Gordon Elliott's six-year-old could be the one to follow him home, albeit at a respectful distance. Epatante won this last year and is another who could go well, but if Nigel Twiston-Davies allows I Like To Move It to settle on the pace and try to make every post a winning one, he could be the surprise package and hold on for a place at a bigger price.
Prediction : 1st Constitution Hill 2nd Zanahiyr 3rd I Like To Move It

Cousin Pascal was a shock winner of this race back in 2021 and proved that the unexpected can happen over this unique course. However, WINGED LEADER, who appears to have been saved for this race, gets the vote. The nine-year-old looked set to be crowned champion of last year's Cheltenham Hunters' Chase but for being swallowed up in the dying strides. He arrives here on the back of three victories between the flags in Ireland and is likely to be spot on in his attempt to claim this contest. Famous Clermont's stamina appeared stretched by the extended 3m2f distance when weakening into sixth late on at Cheltenham last month and Chris Barber's inmate isn't taken lightly now dropped to 2m5f. Latenightpass boasts a fine record in the race, with last year's win under his belt and a fine second behind the aforementioned Cousin Pascal the season before. Tom Ellis' gelding is likely to be on the premises once more and can't be ruled out, while Fier Jaguen and Magic Saint make most appeal of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Winged Leader 2nd Famous Clermont 3rd Latenightpass

A fiercely competitive handicap where a case can be made for most of the field, but THIRD TIME LUCKI ran a fine race on ground softer than ideal to finish fourth having been slightly hampered two out in the Grand Annual at Cheltenham last month. He travelled well for most of that race and having been dropped 1lb since, he looks primed for a big effort. The biggest danger may come from Pay The Piper, who was denied by the narrowest of margins at Doncaster when last seen and should have conditions to suit. Douglas Talking is 2-2 this year, since having wind surgery, and can't be discounted, although a 10lb rise for his latest success tempers enthusiasm.
Prediction : 1st Third Time Lucki 2nd Pay The Piper 3rd Douglas Talking

Three of the last four runnings of this race have gone to an Irish raider and this year may be no different with most of the big trainers across the Irish Sea being represented. Last year's winning handler Willie Mullins is doubly represented with Williamstowndancer and Jolie Coeur Allen, the latter is having her first run on these shores having finished second in a French bumper last year and has since been purchased by J P McManus. However, JULY FLOWER was 2-2 in France having won a Grade 1 bumper in November on her most recent outing and, receiving 8lb from most of the field, she's taken to open her account for new connections at the first time of asking. The best chance from the home contingent appears to be Seeyouinmydreams, who couldn't have won any easier at Newbury on her Rules debut and looks an exciting mare for the future.
Prediction : 1st July Flower 2nd Jolie Coeur Allen 3rd Seeyouinmydreams