UK Horse Racing Tips: Aintree

Doc McCoy won with ease in this grade at Warwick at the start of the month and may improve for this step up in trip, but a 7lb higher rating asks for a lot more. With that in mind, POUNDING POET gets the vote. Tom Lacey's charge was just touched off into second in a warmer event at Cartmel in August and has Cameron Iles negating his 3lb rise with his claim. With a similar performance, he could be the one to beat. Ernest Gray completes the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Pounding Poet 2nd Doc McCoy 3rd Ernest Gray

Beau Quali beat his sole rival on his chasing bow at Warwick last time and the application of first-time cheekpieces might bring out improvement. Even so, point-to-point winner SPADESTEP looks the way to go. The six-year-old struck by five lengths on his return to the fray over the smaller obstacles at Hexham earlier this month and could prove a different proposition over fences. An opening mark of 114 might be on the lenient side. All The Glory is another to note.
Prediction : 1st Spadestep 2nd Beau Quali 3rd All The Glory

It's difficult to ignore the claims of LE MILOS. Dan Skelton's veteran struck in comfortable style at this level at Fakenham when last seen and is just 3lb higher now. The son of Shirocco goes well fresh and it would be no surprise to see him put these to the sword. A shuddering mistake at the fourth-last cost Torn And Frayed any chance at Chepstow earlier this month but, with a smoother round, he ought to go close. Smarty Wild looks best of the rest.
Prediction : 1st Le Milos 2nd Torn And Frayed 3rd Smarty Wild

Having posted a respectable fourth on his hurdle bow at Uttoxeter earlier this month, Marsiac should put that experience to good use. The four-year-old cannot be dismissed, but it could be worth taking a punt on one of the newcomers to this discipline, with IN THE AGE topping the bill. Dan Skelton's charge wasn't disgraced when finishing third under a penalty at Southwell in Feburary and a race of this nature looks within his compass. Big Ticket and Tiddesley Wood are others of interest.
Prediction : 1st In The Age 2nd Marsiac 3rd Big Ticket

IMPERIAL SAINT boasts an impressive record at this venue, with three victories out of four attempts here, and further glory could be imminent. The Saint Des Saints gelding was last seen finishing second over 3m1f at the Aintree Festival and reverting to 2m4f holds no fear. Boombawn finished a respectable fourth in the Manifesto over C&D in April and wasn't disgraced when fifth in the Oaksey at Sandown. The eight-year-old could have a big say in proceedings reverting to handicap company and is feared most, ahead of dual Grade 2 winner Master Chewy.
Prediction : 1st Imperial Saint 2nd Boombawn 3rd Master Chewy

Moonbow hasn't looked back since entering handicap company in August and merits respect in his bid to complete a hat-trick. However, a 10lb hike does demand another career-best performance from Patrick Neville's charge and SERIOUS CHALLENGE could be open to more improvement. Fergal O'Brien's inmate capped off last season with a decent fourth in the Novices' Championship Final at Sandown and there should be more to come on just his second start in handicap company over hurdles. Ace Of Spades boasts a similar profile to the selection and completes the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Serious Challenge 2nd Moonbow 3rd Ace Of Spades

Dotties Promise supplemented a promising third-placed debut at Hexham when opening her account at Kelso last month. Although Susan Corbett's mare should give another bold bid, a 4lb penalty may leave her vulnerable, with preference for newcomer LADY MOTIVATOR. Dan Skelton won this prize with Elle Est Belle in 2020 and this filly boasts plenty of speed in her pedigree which will play to her strengths on a track of this nature. Market support for either Hey Flint or point-to-point winner Edith Pelham would be interesting.
Prediction : 1st Lady Motivator 2nd Dotties Promise 3rd Hey Flint