UK Horse Racing Tips: Aintree

FATHER OF JAZZ got off the mark over hurdles at the first time of asking for James Owen earlier this month and, although a 7lb penalty is sure to make life more difficult for him, this smart ex-Flat performer may have too much speed around here. Ve Day was nowhere near the standard of the selection on the level but he is dangerous to dismiss. The biggest threat may come from Gaius, who showed ability in two juvenile hurdles and should appreciate this livelier ground.
Prediction : 1st Father Of Jazz 2nd Gaius 3rd Ve Day

PRESENTANDCOUNTING blew the cobwebs away with a satisfactory sixth at Cheltenham last month and, with that run under his belt, he could prove to be a different proposition here. The Big Bite hasn't been seen since winning a valuable handicap chase at Newbury in March and must enter calculations, along with Grandeur D'ame, who was denied a three-timer at Warwick when last seen.
Prediction : 1st Presentandcounting 2nd The Big Bite 3rd Grandeur Dame

BASFORD appears to have been found an ideal opportunity to get off the mark over obstacles, having finished runner-up on his last four starts. He's been freshened up since his latest effort at Carlisle and should have no concerns with ground conditions. The recent Kelso winner Lune De La Mer is another who warrants respect having won his bumper in impressive fashion and is sure to be well schooled for his hurdles debut. This drop back in trip may also see St Patricks Bridge in a better light and he isn't passed over lightly.
Prediction : 1st Basford 2nd Lune De La Mer 3rd St Patricks Bridge

HANG IN THERE was ultimately well beaten on his return in a Grade 2 at Ayr last month, but he possesses some smart hurdle form and could regain the winning thread switched to handicaps. Soaring Glory looks worth another go over this longer trip and he's now 5lb lower than his last winning mark, while Boombawn may have been unsuited by a tactical affair at Cheltenham last month and better can be expected here.
Prediction : 1st Hang In There 2nd Soaring Glory 3rd Boombawn

Lounge Lizard has been a different proposition since sporting blinkers and he's not taken lightly in his quest to land a hat-trick, despite facing another 9lb rise in the ratings. That said, KINONDO KWETU finished a cracking third over C&D last month and a reproduction of that effort may suffice. Hidden Heroics can prove dangerous when gaining an uncontested lead and it's too early to be writing off Dan Skelton's gelding.
Prediction : 1st Kinondo Kwetu 2nd Lounge Lizard 3rd Hidden Heroics

A comfortable winner at Cheltenham last month, MALAITA can prove that was no fluke by bringing up the hat-trick off a 4lb higher mark. She gets the vote ahead of the likes of Lutinebella and Ile De Jersey, who returns to this sphere after an inconsistent spell over the larger obstacles. The booking of Harry Cobden aboard Molliana also catches the eye.
Prediction : 1st Malaita 2nd Lutinebella 3rd Ile De Jersey

Some of Lucinda Russell's best days as a trainer have come at this track and she may be about to unleash another smart recruit in the form of dual point-to-point winner CADELL in the renowned Ronnie Bartlett colours. Fellow point winners Saunton Surf and Take It Upstairs can give him the most to think about, along with Hazels Delight and Delilah Bucks.
Prediction : 1st Cadell 2nd Saunton Surf 3rd Take It Upstairs