13:45 Aintree

Despite the Turners Chase at the Cheltenham Festival not receiving the ultimate thumbs up on day one of the Grand National meeting, it’s still strong form in the context of this race and IROKO (best price 4-1), having run better than his finishing position suggested a month ago, is fancied to sprinkling a certain amount of class to proceedings. 

Going into Prestbury Park with a slightly unorthodox preparation courtesy of just one run under his belt at Warwick, there was always the possibility the unconventional route may find him out, and as things panned out, that theory reared its ugly head. 

However, the speed figure suggested he was still operating at a fair standard despite not being able to land a blow to the main players and, having already proven himself around today’s track over hurdles her last year, the six-year-old can put his small stable on the map at Grade 1 level. 

Iroko - 1pt @ 4/1

14:20 Aintree

Victory for Sir Gino offers plenty of hope for the Seven Barrows runners throughout the remainder of the meeting and JANGO BAIE (best price 11-1), already proven at Grade 1 level around today’s track, looks overpriced based on his overall level of form. 

A gutsy winner on that day back in December, Nicky Henderson’s inmate has twice finished runner-up subsequently but with valid excuses attached to both efforts, there’s an argument to be made that he could have arrived here unbeaten. 

The way he stayed on strongly in the latter stages over Kelso’s 2m2f journey suggested a step back up in trip would suit and with an opening mark of 139 not looking too penal, the son of Tiger Groom makes plenty of appeal. 

Jango Baie - 0.5pts e/w @ 11/1

14:55 Aintree

Connections of DYSART ENOS (best price 5-1) must have been ruing the last minute pulling of the plug on her date with destiny at Cheltenham, but she gets a swift opportunity to make amends and with her speed figures suggesting she hasn’t got too much to find against the boys, Fergal O’Brien’s mare rates a solid each-way alternative to Supreme Novices’ runner-up, Mystical Power. 

A good winner of the mares’ bumper here last year, big things were expected of her when switching to hurdles and by and large, she has done little wrong. Really good at Cheltenham both visually and on the numbers at Cheltenham back in December, she proved she can cope with a softer surface and arriving here fresher than most, there’s every reason to feel upbeat about her claims. 

Dysart Enos - 1pt e/w @ 5/1

16:05 Aintree

The Plate at the Cheltenham Festival is usually a good guide to the outcome of this one-lap race over the National fences and of those who ran well a month ago, FRERO BANBOU (best price 18-1) and LIFE IN THE PARK (best price 9-1) are worth taking against the field. 

The former was one of the only horses to feature at the backend of that well-run contest who had raced prominently, and that effort was a massive step back in the right direction following a below-par display previously. 

Much better going left-handed, Venetia Williams’ inmate also proved these big fences hold no fears with an excellent performance in the Grand Sefton here earlier in the campaign and with conditions to suit, a bigger run than his odds suggest is anticipated. 

The latter finished two places ahead of his old rival at Cheltenham and there is a case to be made he might have gone closer to winning but for almost being brought down at the one at the top of the hill. 

Recovering well, Henry de Bromhead’s gelding stayed on best of all to finish a never-nearer fourth and with a campaign to suggest he’s very much been geared up to tackling the big spring festivals, a bold show looks on the cards with a clear round. 

Frero Banbou - 0.5pts e/w @ 18/1
Life In The Park - 0.5pts e/w @ 9/1

16:40 Aintree

Plenty of Cheltenham form is brought to the table through a variety of sources and KYNTARA (best price 10-1), having played a significant role in the outcome of the Pertemps Final, can fly the flag for that three-mile handicap on his first start outside of that discipline. 

A real money spinner this term, winning three of his five starts, Mel Rowley’s gelding was in his deepest race so far to date a month ago but unperturbed, he posted a career high effort in chasing home a resurgent Monmiral, in turn finishing nicely clear of the rest. 

Based on the data, the Pertemps comes out very favourably when compared to the Grade 1 Stayer’s Hurdle over the same C&D and having already showed a liking for today’s track in the past, a return to the Merseyside venue can spark happy memories.

Kyntara - 0.5pts e/w @ 10/1