12:25 Aintree

Leg 1 Selections: Flash In The Park, Magical King

FLASH IN THE PARK absolutely bolted up in his point last November and has joined an excellent stable. He wasn’t the cheapest purchase for Ben Pauling, but he can hopefully pay some of that fee back by going well in the opener. MAGICAL KING was only beaten a neck on his stable/hurdles debut at Uttoxeter and could go one better.

13:00 Aintree

Leg 2 Selections: Giovinco, Universal Folly 

GIOVINCO won all three starts over hurdles and appeared to be looking the likeliest winner on his return/chase debut at Carlisle before unseating his rider three out. With a clear round, he should be able to make amends because he looks like a class act who can rank higher. UNIVERSAL FOLLY has won his last three starts, though, and is the chief threat.

13:35 Aintree

Leg 3 Selections: Omar Maretti, Gentleman At Arms 

OMAR MARETTI has had his issues, given his lightly raced profile for his age, but he is two-from-two in this sphere, and his last win came off an eight-pound mark. He goes well when fresh and could be a serious player, while GENTLEMAN AT ARMS was second in a Grade 1 over course-and-distance last year and is respected off a very handy mark.

14:10 Aintree

Leg 4 Selections: Master Chewy, Djelo

MASTER CHEWY made a successful chase debut over course-and-distance by 12 lengths just under a fortnight ago and has to be considered the one to beat on that evidence with more to offer. DJELO is very well-treated on his chase debut, especially on his third at Sandown when just behind Iceo, and must be feared now in this easier race after his midfield effort in the Imperial Cup.

14:45 Aintree

Leg 5 Selections: Half Shot, Frero Banbou

The bottom-weight HALF SHOT is one of the best jumpers in the field and will have fitness on his side, courtesy of his close second on his return at Kelso last month. If he takes to the course, he should run well, being a rare runner in this sort of race for Iain Jardine. FRERO BANBOU will love conditions and is well treated on the pick of his form.

15:20 Aintree

Leg 6 Selections: Millers Bank, Brewin’upastorm 

The nine-year-old MILLERS BANK drew a blank over fences last season, but the return to hurdles could have a positive outcome, and the last time he ran over hurdles, he finished third over course-and-distance in the Aintree Hurdle two seasons ago. He has a good record when fresh and is fancied to go close. BREWIN’UPASTORM landed this race two years ago and has to be feared.