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Aintree’s Grand National meeting kicks off with an excellent opening card with three Grade 1 races on offer. Gold Cup runner-up Denman is one of the most high profile horses on show contesting in the Totesport Bowl at 3.05. Paul Nicholls 11yo has 19lb in hand on official ratings and should take the world of beating if repeating his latest Cheltenham exploits. Though it is worth mentioning he has been beaten twice next time out in the last two years on the back of his excellent Gold Cup runs. With that in mind I will not be playing at the 5/4 currently on offer though the opposition does like rather thin on the ground. Nacarat is next in on the betting for Tom George though is hardly a top Grade 1 performer, while Punchestown may prove more of a threat to Denman if he can finally sort his act out over fences. The card opens with the Grade 1 Liverpool Hurdle where World Hurdle 1-2 Big Bucks and Grand Crus are set to do battle again. Similarly to Cheltenham the duo looks to have the race between themselves again with Big Bucks an even stronger favourite this time round. Grand Crus has it all to do to tarnish Big Buck’s unbeaten record but at the 4/1 on offer is a bet to nothing. With others in the race facing question marks regards quality, distance and current form David Pipe’s 6yo looks the safest bet and is the value of the race. The third Grade 1 is the 4yo juvenile hurdle at 2.35. Triumph Hurdle winner Zarkandar is set to go off a short price favourite here. Unbeaten in two hurdles starts to date Paul Nicholls youngster sets a high standard and is the one beat with possible further improvement. Grandoulet looks the obvious each way at 4/1 and should run his race at a venue which should suit his running style though he has had a long season since coming over from France. Kumbeshwar is another likely improver after an excellent second in the Fred Winter at Cheltenham. He is a lively outsider for connections who won this with Walkon back in 2009. The Foxhunters chase at 3.40 sees 23 runners taking on the National fences. I’m sticking with my Cheltenham NAP Baby Run to get back to winning ways after an unfortunate departure at the Festival three weeks ago. Although a faller in this race last year he is still the one to beat and should be tough to peg back providing he puts in a clear round. For me Ice Tea and Kilty Storm rate the main dangers though I am more concerned with the fences rather than the opposition.

Selections (1-5*)

A 2:00 – Grand Crus **E/W at 4/1+

A 3:40 – Baby Run **E/W at 7/2+

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