14:20 Aintree

Race 1: 14.20pm Aintree

Pick: WRECKLESS ERIC (14)

WRECKLESS ERIC was desperately unlucky when a narrow second in the Imperial Cup last time out and should be suited to the step up in trip off only a 3lb higher mark. He has the right profile for this, so he’s fancied to get involved at the business end.

14:55 Aintree

Race 2: 14.55pm Aintree

Pick: TRIPOLI FLYER (9)

Romeo Coolio had a hard race at Cheltenham when third to Kopek Des Bordes and I think the fresher legs of TRIPOLI FLYER may just have too much speed for him here. He finished an excellent second in a bumper at this meeting twelve months ago, and having won his last three starts in this sphere, including a Grade 2 last time out, he’s a big player.

15:05 Bath

Race 3: 15.05 Bath

Pick: PEPSI CAT (1)

PEPSI CAT can find herself a pound lower than when she scored in a higher graded race at Newmarket last May and she goes well when fresh, so she’s fancied to make her presence felt on her seasonal debut.

15:30 Aintree

Race 4: 15.30pm Aintree

Pick: JONBON (2)

JONBON did a remarkable job to finish second in the Champion Chase considering he made that horrendous mistake which ended his chance. Given his unblemished record at this course, Nicky Henderson’s star chaser is fancied to win this for the second year in succession.

15:40 Bath

Race 5: 15.40 Bath

Pick: KAMEKO SPIRIT (4)

KAMEKO SPIRIT has been largely consistent of late and has made the frame on her last three starts. She appears to have been found a good opportunity to deservedly get her head in front.

16:05 Aintree

Race 6: 16.05pm Aintree

Pick: EXCELLO (30)

Trainer Nicky Henderson has won this race five times and it’s interesting to see Nico do the low weight on EXCELLO, who should excel over these fences given how well he can jump. He has no weight on his back and looks well treated off a mark of 132 in first-time cheekpieces.

16:40 Aintree

Race 7: 16.40 Aintree

Pick: BATTLE BORN LAD (2)

BATTLE BORN LAD is two from two in this sphere and having beaten Grade 1 runner-up Wendigo on his hurdles debut, he then thumped some nice prospects when taking a Grade 2 at Haydock last time out. This is tougher, but he has so much more to come and has an excellent chance.