UK Horse Racing Tips: Aintree

Ben Pauling saddled the winner of this prize 12 months ago and SOUND AND FURY could provide him with further success. A winner between the flags in April of last year, the six-year-old showed a fair level of ability in maiden/novice company last season and is interesting off a mark of 114, with the step up to an extended 3m for his handicap debut an added bonus. Mylesfromwicklow would be a deserving winner having hit the woodwork on each of his four starts under Rules, while others to note include No But I Will and Secret Trix.
Prediction : 1st Sound And Fury 2nd Mylesfromwicklow 3rd No But I Will

In an open heat, it might be worth taking a chance on WISHING AND HOPING, who has previously finished first and second in this contest. That second came last year, where he was no match for a ready winner, but he clearly thrives at this venue. Boldmere was in good form when last seen and must be respected on his return. Celebre D'Allen was a well-beaten eighth in the Topham but is an interesting candidate down in grade, and from 5lb below his last winning mark.
Prediction : 1st Wishing And Hoping 2nd Boldmere 3rd Celebre DAllen

A fascinating renewal sees the return of MY DROGO, who has been off since winning at Cheltenham in December 2021. He sustained an injury thereafter, but his Grade 1 romp as a novice hurdler here still lives fresh in the memory and offers plenty of hope that he can pick up where he left off. Tommy's Oscar returned with a decisive success at Kelso and is expected to mount another stern challenge off 5lb higher. Hitman finished a gallant second in this 12 months ago, off 1lb higher, and is another to consider.
Prediction : 1st My Drogo 2nd Tommys Oscar 3rd Hitman

INTHEWATERSIDE was quite taking when landing a second NH Flat race at Sandown in February and Paul Nicholls' gelding could keep his unbeaten record intact if translating that ability to obstacles. Jagwar found only a subsequent Listed hurdle winner too strong when runner-up on his debut at Auteuil a year ago and that experience should stand him in good stead. He may provide the most resistance to the selection, ahead of winning pointer Simple Getaway.
Prediction : 1st Inthewaterside 2nd Jagwar 3rd Simple Getaway

SANTOS BLUE lost little in defeat when thwarted in his bid to land a four-timer at Cheltenham in April, and a 3lb rise for that third-placed effort may not be enough to stop this progressive six-year-old from regaining the winning thread. Sonigino has the benefit of a run after making the frame in the Silver Trophy at Chepstow earlier this month. He may emerge as the chief threat, although second-season hurdlers Crambo and Dare To Shout aren't taken lightly.
Prediction : 1st Santos Blue 2nd Sonigino 3rd Crambo

Pembroke made a solid beginning to his fencing career when runner-up at Uttoxeter and he is entitled to come on from that display. That said, he has to give 11lb and upwards to his rivals, some of which have the potential to improve a lot in this sphere, and the vote goes to CHAPEL GREEN. The six-year-old got off the mark on his chasing debut at Hexham when proving too strong for General Officer and he is expected to take another step forward. Master Chewy didn't get his head in front over hurdles, but he threatened to develop into a smart performer in the early part of last season and fences might help to unlock his potential.
Prediction : 1st Chapel Green 2nd Pembroke 3rd Master Chewy

Sweet Honey B won a point-to-point over 2m and the daughter of Getaway, who is related to plenty of useful performers, commands a fair amount of respect on her Rules debut. Coco Brave and Tellitasitis are others who boast smart pedigrees and represent yards that have a fine record in this sphere, but JUST A MEMORY makes the most appeal. Warren Greatrex won this contest with La Bague Au Roi back in 2015 and it wouldn't be a surprise to see the Lambourn handler unleash another potentially smart recruit.
Prediction : 1st Just A Memory 2nd Sweet Honey B 3rd Coco Brave