UK Horse Racing Tips: Aintree

Although not seen since making a winning Rules debut at Haydock last December, WESTERN MONKEY has all the hallmarks of a smart prospect. An official mark of 125 could prove to be lenient for the seven-year-old, for all that he is the most inexperienced runner in the field. Brookside La made light work of the opposition on his seasonal bow at Worcester and is progressing nicely. Dan Skelton's charge is feared most, although the downgraded Keable is a live each-way alternative.
Prediction : 1st Western Monkey 2nd Brookside La 3rd Keable

Brace For Landing is sure to find these calmer waters more to his liking than last season's final appearance when 10th in the Imperial Cup. Dan Skelton's inmate has also undergone a wind procedure and isn't taken lightly, but ORDER ON TIME appears to have more potential. The Order Of St George gelding was impressive when spreadeagling the field on his bumper bow at Chepstow 206 days ago and a bright future beckons. Allfor and point-to-point winner Titi Montmartre are others of interest.
Prediction : 1st Order On Time 2nd Brace For Landing 3rd Allfor

Having returned with a victory at Market Rasen last month, chase debutant UN SENS A LA VIE should put his race fitness to good use. The son of Muhtathir has the stamp of a chaser and boasts a point-to-point victory back in October 2024, so he looks capable of following up in this discipline. Dangers are aplenty, spearheaded by Dovecote winner Klub De Reve, who is chasing a hat-trick. Grade 2 hurdle runner-up Taurus Bay and Swinton third Dance And Glance add further spice to the mix.
Prediction : 1st Un Sens A La Vie 2nd Klub De Reve 3rd Taurus Bay

Monbeg Genius ran some decent races last season, most notably when third in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham, and the recent rain in the forecast won't have done his chances any harm. 2024 Grand National fifth Kitty's Light is dangerously handicapped on the pick of his form, but a chance is taken with KNAPPERS HILL. His early form when returning from a long spell on the sidelines would give the hope he is capable of winning a prize of this nature.
Prediction : 1st Knappers Hill 2nd Monbeg Genius 3rd Kittys Light

Hitman gained a first success in almost three years when proving too strong for Master Chewy (second), BOOMBAWN (fourth) and Imperial Saint (fifth) in this contest 12 months ago. Of that quartet, Dan Skelton's charge makes the most appeal, especially given the fact he is 10lb lower with first-time cheekpieces and, most importantly, arrives following a decent preparation in the Silver Trophy at Chepstow. Wendigo remains a chaser open to progression but that is likely to come over further, while Bluey is another with solid credentials.
Prediction : 1st Boombawn 2nd Hitman 3rd Master Chewy

With Fergal O'Brien training three of the last four winners of this contest it may pay to keep an eye on KAMSINAS, who won this in 2024 off a 5lb lower mark. He invariably goes well fresh and looks likely to have been aimed here throughout the summer. Dan Skelton runs three with Glancing Jack debuting for the yard under Harry Skelton presumably the stable number one, though ex-Irish Hillberry Hill looks progressive and might be the bigger danger on his first run for new connections.
Prediction : 1st Kamsinas 2nd Hillberry Hill 3rd Glancing Jack

In a field of largely unknown quantities the market may prove the best guide to their relative chances, though WISE MAIDEN did easily win a C&D bumper in May for Gina Andrews and she now runs under the Tom Ellis banner. She scored by just over nine lengths that day, despite looking green, and may prove good enough to give her 4lb penalty away to these rivals. Lady Jetfire is well-regarded at the Jamie Snowden yard and she is one to watch, while Twin Flame, Purple Fountain and Moral Compass appear best of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Wise Maiden 2nd Lady Jetfire 3rd Twin Flame