UK Horse Racing Tips: Aintree

GERRI COLOMBE did well to finish within a short-head of The Real Whacker in the Brown Advisory last month, having failed to convince with his jumping throughout. Despite that, he had the reopposing Bronn (third) in behind him and, granted a clean round, it's unlikely that the latter will reverse the form. Galia Des Liteaux beat Complete Unknown (second) in a Grade 2 at Warwick before going on to finish a creditable fifth behind the two aforementioned rivals and she might be best placed to follow them home. Both Thomas Darby and Sholokjack would need career-best performances if they're to have a say.
Prediction : 1st Gerri Colombe 2nd Bronn 3rd Galia Des Liteaux

In a fiercely competitive handicap it may be worth siding with MARTELLO SKY, who looks overpriced when you go back through her form. Although yet to win this season, she was last seen finishing third to Epatante in a Grade 2 at Doncaster and this will be her first venture into handicap company since winning at Cheltenham off 3lb higher in December 2021. Going and trip look ideal and she could go well at a big price, though Camprond is an obvious danger. He may have won the Coral Cup barring a mistake at the last, although an added 5lb from the handicapper won't make his task any easier. Sonigino may look to slip the field early and make all the running, while Irish raider The Bosses Oscar is another who is hard to ignore.
Prediction : 1st Martello Sky 2nd Camprond 3rd Sonigino

As is only to be expected, this is a good quality renewal with the likes of Altobelli and Hullnback bidding to extend winning runs, while Luccia is respected in her bid to give Nicky Henderson back-to-back winners of the race. The last-named edges preference from that trio given she wasn't beaten far in the Grade 2 Jack De Bromhead Mares' Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham last month. However, it might pay to focus more attention on Irish raiders Inthepocket and FOUND A FIFTY, with the latter just preferred given he has bags of scope for further progression judging by his close proximity to the high-class Corbetts Cross in a Grade 2 at Naas last time. That is not to underestimate Inthepocket, whose highly commendable fourth-placed finish in the Supreme at Cheltenham gives him rock solid claims.
Prediction : 1st Found A Fifty 2nd Inthepocket 3rd Luccia

Triumphant in this contest for the last two years, it can pay to side with the tried and trusted FAKIR D'OUDAIRIES, who may not be arriving in the best of form after a disappointing performance in the Ascot Chase but remains well capable on his day. Joseph O'Brien's charge seems to come alive around here and, like last year, he can fend off the attentions of Hitman (second), who arrives following a highly creditable placed effort in the Ryanair. Stablemate Pic D'Orhy had been on a roll this season until the Ascot Chase, where once again he was found wanting in Grade 1 company. On the other hand, talented handicapper Fugitif could be an interesting alternative having travelled like a horse with plenty of ability when runner-up at Cheltenham the last twice.
Prediction : 1st Fakir DOudairies 2nd Hitman 3rd Fugitif

In a wide-open contest only a tentative vote can go to BURROWS SAINT. It's interesting that Willie Mullins opts for this race over the Grand National, which he has competed in twice. Fourth in the 2021 renewal before unseating last year (from a 4lb higher mark), he could prove more potent over this shorter trip, while a recent spin at Down Royal should have left him cherry-ripe. Al Dancer is now 2lb better off with Gesskille than when defeating him in the Grand Sefton here in November and it would be no surprise were he to confirm that form. Ashtown Lad merits the utmost respect, along with the progressive Final Orders. Others to note include Haut En Couleurs, Ciel De Neige and Bill Baxter.
Prediction : 1st Burrows Saint 2nd Al Dancer 3rd Gesskille

The value may lie with MAXIMILIAN, who skipped Cheltenham but the horse who finished narrowly behind him in the River Don, Stay Away Fay, went on to win the Albert Bartlett. He has the chance to claim Grade One honours on this occasion, with track and ground conditions expected to suit. Paul Nicholls' charge had a tough race when scoring at the Festival and it may be too big an ask to follow up four weeks later, while Iroko has the potential to improve for the step up in trip but will need to take his form to a new level in Graded company. The Irish haven't won this since 2005, though they have a strong contender in Absolute Notions, who ran a cracker at the Dublin Racing Festival when last seen. Others to note include Blenkinsop, Grey Dawning and Mofasa.
Prediction : 1st Maximilian 2nd Absolute Notions 3rd Iroko

BLUEKING D'OROUX showed marked improvement to win at odds of 50/1 at Ascot on his first start after wind surgery and, although he carries a 7lb penalty for that success, he gets 8lb from his elders as a four-year-old. If he improves again he could be well handicapped, though Go Dante looks a serious rival. The booking of Jamie Codd to ride catches the eye, as does the application of cheekpieces despite a comfortable win at Wetherby, and he may also be on an upward curve. Soul Icon is looking for his sixth win in a row and may well have been saved for this, though any further rain would not help his chances, while Albert's Back and perhaps JPR One are others to consider.
Prediction : 1st Blueking Doroux 2nd Go Dante 3rd Soul Icon