Aintree Day 2: Tips for Every Race in the ITV7 Today

The ITV7 starts with an ultra-competitive race at Aintree in the shape of the William Hill Handicap Hurdle (Race 1), so a lot of luck will undoubtedly be needed. However, the Dan Skelton-trained KATEIRA could take a bit of beating.

She only found one too good when she finished second in a Grade 1 race over course and distance at this meeting last year. I know the ground isn’t ideally suitable, but she’s surely thrown in here off a mark of 136 and should be thereabouts, at the very least. 

The Grade 1 TrustATrader Top Novices' Hurdle (Race 2) is a hot renewal. Supreme Novices’ Hurdle second and third, Mystical Power and Firefox, have obvious claims. Firefox looked unlucky to not finish closer in the Supreme and could do better, but DYSART ENOS could turn out to be a very special mare and was mightily impressive in winning a bumper at this fixture last year. She’s unbeaten in six starts and has form on soft ground. She can take the rise in grade in her stride.

In the first of two races at Fakenham in today’s ITV7, the Racing TV Novices' Limited Handicap Hurdle (Race 3), TIP TOP TONTO could be the answer. He’s been a little disappointing the last two times, but he ran well when he finished second here in January and is worth another chance over the intermediate distance. Charlie Hammond and Dr Richard Newland are prone to success at this course. 

A stellar field of seven will line up for the Grade 1 My Pension Expert Melling Chase (Race 4). Protektorat has to be considered the one to beat on the back of his Ryanair Chase success. Having said that, I am fascinated by the participation of EASY GAME. This prolific 10-year-old has an excellent record when returning from a break, and it seems like Willie Mullins has saved him for this race. I am aware that this is a hot race, but he deserves his chance to show what he can do on British soil, and I can easily see him outperforming his odds. 

SHENGAI ENKI could be ready to strike In the horsepwr.co.uk For Welfare Facts & Information Handicap Hurdle (Race 5). This five-year-old has made the frame in both handicap starts, and this race looks a bit easier than the one he contested last time out. He will be fitter this time around, and the step up in trip could unlock improvement. In reality, he should go very close. 

Ben Pauling enjoyed a good winner here yesterday with Diva Luna, and there’s plenty to like about the chances of YOUR DARLING in the Randox Supports Race Against Dementia Topham Handicap Chase (Race 6). He has been laid out for the race and was very impressive in scoring at Ascot last time out. His record when fresh reads well, and his assured jumping will stand him in good stead. He must be considered in a race that looks tailor-made for him. 

The final race on today’s ITV7 is the Grade 1 Cavani Sartorial Menswear Sefton Novices' Hurdle, and this presents THE JUKEBOX MAN with a chance make amends for this narrow defeat in last month’s Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle. He’s won two of his four starts over hurdles and has placed in two subsequent Grade 1 races. He is clearly a top-class staying prospect for the in-form Ben Pauling team, and he earns the vote to come out on top under another attacking ride.