“Aintree Day One Special: This Horse Primed for Victory”
Filmogaz.com’s team has compiled their top picks for day one of the Grand National festival at Aintree. Our reporters and tipsters explain why each selection looks well placed on the sharper track.
Overview
Conditions at Aintree should favour horses who handle quicker, drier ground. The flatter track and long home straight may change form lines from earlier festivals.
As part of Filmogaz.com’s Aintree Day One Special, our reporters highlight contenders primed for victory. Below are the key selections and the reasons behind each choice.
Key selections
Minella Study
Oliver Barnard backs Minella Study to improve on Triumph Hurdle form. The horse won three of four hurdle starts and finished third in the Triumph.
He is flat-bred and should appreciate quicker, drier ground. Ryan Mania takes the ride for trainer Adam Nicol.
Unexpected Party
Harry Wilson points to Unexpected Party after strong seasonal form. He finished second while giving 11lb to Steel Ally in November.
The horse has won two hunter chases at this trip since. Miss Heidi Palin will ride for trainer Dan Skelton.
The New Lion
Tom Park believes The New Lion can reverse Champion Hurdle form with Brighterdaysahead. A slower run and Aintree’s long straight should aid his jumping.
Harry Skelton is booked to ride for Dan Skelton. The step up in trip looks to suit his profile.
Highlands Legacy
Maddy Playle highlights this progressive seven-year-old based on strong handicap form. He finished second to Mighty Bandit at Newbury in December.
He also finished close to the later Grade 2 winner Mambonumberfive. Jonjo O’Neill Jr rides for Jonjo and A J O’Neill.
Ryan’s Rocket
James Hill still likes Ryan’s Rocket despite a recent Kempton disappointment. He missed his festival target and ran over 2m4f in a race that came too slowly for him.
Jonathan Burke rides for Fergal O’Brien. The horse is just 3lb higher than when he won at Newbury in November.
Form notes and context
Several picks reverse earlier form against horses like Maestro Conti and Brighterdaysahead. Newbury, Kempton and Aintree are referenced for recent runs.
Steel Ally later became a dual Grade 2 winner. Mambonumberfive also progressed to Grade 2 success after crossing paths with Highlands Legacy.
Betting information
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Responsible gambling
Please gamble responsibly. The information here is editorial and aims to inform readers on selections for Aintree day one.
