UK Horse Racing Tips: Aintree

In a competitive event, marginal preference is for LIHYAN, who secured a double when scoring over 2m7f at Uttoxeter earlier in the month. A 3lb rise for that effort appears to be fair and the progressive six-year-old can make it a hat-trick. Skyjack Hijack has a similar profile to the selection and is an obvious danger, while City Derby and Chris Cool are others to note.
Prediction : 1st Lihyan 2nd Skyjack Hijack 3rd City Derby

GOODWIN accounted for a useful rival when taking a novice hurdle at Newbury on his final start last season and it would be no surprise to see him score on his chasing bow off a mark of 124. Parisencore has not been beaten far at Perth twice in recent months and is likely to be in the mix once again. Others to consider are Imperial Saint and Hidalgo De L'isle.
Prediction : 1st Goodwin 2nd Parisencore 3rd Imperial Saint

STAGE STAR disappointed on his final two starts last season but had been an impressive winner on his seasonal return in the Paddy Power Gold Cup. With that in mind, Paul Nicholls' gelding can be given another chance off what should be a workable mark. Ahoy Senor has a very good record at this venue, which includes a second in the Bowl when last seen in April. On that evidence, he could give the selection most to think about. The rest all have questions to answer, but Hitman is the pick of them.
Prediction : 1st Stage Star 2nd Ahoy Senor 3rd Hitman

Copperhead rounded off last season in good form and chases a hat-trick after returning with an emphatic victory in a similar veterans' series event at Chepstow 16 days ago. A 5lb higher mark looks fair and another bold showing is likely. However, FORTESCUE has been given a chance by the handicapper despite running well in defeat several times last term. Off 8lb below his last winning mark, Henry Daly's 10-year-old is an attractive proposition. The class-dropping Torn And Frayed can also figure.
Prediction : 1st Fortescue 2nd Copperhead 3rd Torn And Frayed

TAKT DE TOUQUES has impressed by winning three bumpers since racing under Rules and, having also won a point-to-point before joining his current yard, this progressive five-year-old is fancied to rise to the challenge presented by his hurdling debut. Sunray Shadow has the benefit of experience in this discipline and is another taken seriously. Chief Sunday runs for an in-form yard and also warrants consideration.
Prediction : 1st Takt De Touques 2nd Sunray Shadow 3rd Chief Sunday

Having drawn 27 lengths clear of the third when runner-up at Warwick earlier this month, compensation could be heading in LONG DRAW's direction. A 3lb rise in the ratings looks more than fair for the five-year-old and his race fitness could prove crucial. Lavida Adiva capped off last season's novice campaign with a good second at Cheltenham and she warrants respect on her return to action. Ruth Jefferson's mare is feared most, ahead of Kamsinas.
Prediction : 1st Long Draw 2nd Lavida Adiva 3rd Kamsinas

There are several interesting point-to-pointers making their Rules debut and a tentative vote goes to the Dan Skelton-trained CLAIM DU BRIZAIS. The 130,000-pound purchase finished second on her sole start between the flags in Ireland and she boasts the speed in her pedigree to make a mark in bumpers. Siog Geal and Lets Mingle are other interesting recruits from that sphere, while Kapability also requires a market check with Harry Cobden aboard.
Prediction : 1st Claim Du Brizais 2nd Siog Geal 3rd Kapability