UK Horse Racing Tips: Aintree

An impressive winner at Warwick on his return last month, JOSH THE BOSS should have plenty more to come and the talented four-year-old could be hard to stop once again. Narrowly denied on his Rules debut at Uttoxeter, Magical King looks to be a key player, along with Minella Double, who won well on his hurdles bow at Hexham a month ago.
Prediction : 1st Josh The Boss 2nd Minella Double 3rd Magical King

GIOVINCO's chase debut may not have gone to plan at Carlisle, when unseating his rider three out, but he is the class act in this field and can take advantage. Lucinda Russell's charge always promised to go well over fences and he is preferred to Universal Folly, who arrives in top form having won his last three starts. Lord Of Kerak is the pick of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Giovinco 2nd Universal Folly 3rd Lord Of Kerak

A comfortable winner on his handicap debut at Ayr when last seen, IMPERIAL MERLIN could be just the type to excel during his second season over hurdles and a mark of 127 gives him a big chance. Irish raider Icare Allen is of interest stepping up markedly in trip, while Storm Nelson has an excellent record when fresh and cannot be ruled out for new connections. Last year's winner Remastered and Classic Chase scorer Iwilldoit are also high on the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Imperial Merlin 2nd Icare Allen 3rd Storm Nelson

MASTER CHEWY emerged as a ready winner of a novices' handicap chase over this course and distance 13 days ago and it is entirely possible that a 10lb higher mark underestimates his scope for improvement over fences. Nigel Twiston-Davies' gelding certainly created a favourable impression with his jumping that day and is hard to ignore despite the relatively quick turnaround. Djelo boasts some useful form over hurdles and is respected on his chasing debut. Real Stone is also noteworthy on his first start after wind surgery.
Prediction : 1st Master Chewy 2nd Djelo 3rd Real Stone

Beaten just a nose in this race last year, Gesskille has a live chance of going one place better off just a 5lb higher mark. Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero picked up a Listed race in France with the gelding on his latest start and he can go well once again. However, FANTASTIC LADY was second in the Topham over C&D in April and gets the vote off just 4lb higher. Cooper's Cross and Born By The Sea complete the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Fantastic Lady 2nd Gesskille 3rd Coopers Cross

The lightly-raced WEST BALBOA arrives here seeking a hat-trick following two wins earlier this year, with the most recent of those victories coming over 3m at this venue in April. Brewin'upastorm unseated his rider in this race last year but is feared most based on his victory in the previous renewal in 2021, while Millers Bank should not be completely discounted.
Prediction : 1st West Balboa 2nd Brewinupastorm 3rd Millers Bank

A tricky puzzle to solve with all nine of these having their first taste of competitive racecourse action, but CLAP OF THUNDER stands out as the most intriguing runner. Nigel Twiston-Davies has a useful record in bumpers and this son of Mount Nelson is related to plenty of winners and makes most appeal. I Wish You and Rocheval are others to consider.
Prediction : 1st Clap Of Thunder 2nd I Wish You 3rd Rocheval