UK Horse Racing Tips: Aintree

This may represent a steep rise in grade for CHIANTI CLASSICO, but the way in which he won the Ultima at Cheltenham suggested that he may be up to the task. It was that very contest last year which produced a Grand National and Punchestown Gold Cup winner, and Kim Bailey's charge may be able to follow suit having scored on three of his four starts over fences. An impressive winner off top-weight in the Kim Muir, Inothewayurthinkin has experience at the top level and there should be more improvement forthcoming over this trip. Iroko didn't cut much ice on his return in the Turners but going up in trip is likely to suit, while C&D winner Giovinco is another to note after a creditable third in the Brown Advisory.
Prediction : 1st Chianti Classico 2nd Inothewayurthinkin 3rd Giovinco

JANGO BAIE hasn't kicked on as many anticipated he would after scoring in a Grade 1 over an extended 2m here in December, finishing runner-up on both of his subsequent starts. However, the fact that he was able to finish second in a Kelso Grade 2 over 2m2f when his stable were struggling for form is a testament to his ability. Now stepping back up in trip on his handicap debut, he can return to winning ways. Dangers are aplenty and headed by Springwell Bay, who has been nudged up 2lb for finishing a gallant second over 3m at Musselburgh and a strongly-run race on a flat track should be right up his street. Harry Skelton has presumably opted to ride Kateira ahead of Boombawn, and she warrants respect on the back of an eye-catching fourth over 2m5f at Kempton last month.
Prediction : 1st Jango Baie 2nd Springwell Bay 3rd Kateira

Mystical Power was outstayed up the Cheltenham hill by a plucky Slade Steel in the Supreme last month, but the talented son of Galileo, who leads the way on official ratings, could be much more at home on this flatter track and he demands the utmost respect. He can confirm superiority over Firefox, who finished third in the Festival opener, but DYSART ENOS gets the nod. Fergal O'Brien's mare, who landed the Grade 2 bumper at this meeting 12 months ago, remains unbeaten under Rules having notched up a trio of hurdling victories this season. Golden Ace, who she comprehensively defeated in the aforementioned bumper, franked the form in no uncertain terms when landing the Dawn Run at Cheltenham, a race in which the selection was withdrawn from.
Prediction : 1st Dysart Enos 2nd Mystical Power 3rd Firefox

Jonbon missed the Champion Chase at the 11th hour due to concerns over the health of Nicky Henderson's string and he arrives following a shock defeat at the hands of Elixir De Nutz in the rearranged Clarence House at Cheltenham in January. Connections have always wanted to step him up in trip, but the prospects of testing ground on his first attempt over 2m4f may prove to be his undoing. Pic D'Orhy bids to become the seventh horse to win back-to-back renewals and will be full of confidence after an all-the-way success in the Ascot Chase. That said, this renewal appears to be stronger than last year and it wouldn't be a huge shock if the Ryanair form stood up. PROTEKTORAT travelled supremely well when handling the drop back in trip with considerable ease and outstayed Envoi Allen after the final fence. Although this test may suit the latter more, there has to be a concern whether he can back up his Cheltenham effort, whereas Dan Skelton's charge appears to be thriving for being kept busy and ground conditions are very much in his favour.
Prediction : 1st Protektorat 2nd Pic DOrhy 3rd Jonbon

These unique fences often bring the best out of those with previous experience and last year's winner Bill Baxter rates a serious contender off just 1lb higher with first-time cheekpieces added. Killer Kane, who rallied in the latter stages to gain a respectable third-placed finish 12 months ago, also enters calculations off a 3lb lower mark. However, the irrepressible Willie Mullins, who has won two of the last four renewals, yet again fields a strong hand and, while top-weight Classic Getaway adds a touch of class and Aime Desjy has obvious talent despite his lack of chasing experience, it is JAMES DU BERLAIS who shades the vote. Proven on deep ground, the selection is a previous winner over this trip and Mullins' eight-year-old is taken to do the business.
Prediction : 1st James Du Berlais 2nd Bill Baxter 3rd Killer Kane

The Jukebox Man was given a brilliant front-running ride by Kielan Woods when only beaten a head in the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham last month. That said, he may not be allowed such an easy time on the lead here and it would be no surprise to see DANCING CITY (third) reverse the form. Willie Mullins' gelding was not suited by the sedate pace that day and better can be expected here. Readin Tommy Wrong should not be written off after a poor effort in the same contest, while Kyntara is next best.
Prediction : 1st Dancing City 2nd The Jukebox Man 3rd Readin Tommy Wrong

A determined winner of the Imperial Cup last month, GO DANTE looks to have been saved for another crack at this contest, having been slightly unlucky in running when short of room two out last year. A 5lb rise for his Sandown victory could prove lenient and he gets the vote ahead of Boodles runner-up Eagles Reign and fellow Irish raider Brucio, who was on a hat-trick when brought down early on at Kelso latest. Skycutter seems to be an improving sort for leading connections, while Ballee and Ted Hastings are others to consider.
Prediction : 1st Go Dante 2nd Brucio 3rd Eagles Reign