Aintree Festival day three preview

3.00pm – Novices Chase

Charbel fell last time out in the Arkle, but was going well at the time, and loves dragging his rivals out of their comfort zone early. There’s a lot to like about the selection, he’s as honest and they come and meets challenges head on. The fact he was involved in the Arkle shows his class, and if he’s over that fall, then I expect him to pick up exactly where he left off. Runner-up behind Altior in a grade one at Sandown the time before, should have enough to beat an uninspiring field. 4/6 jolly.

3.40pm – Handicap Chase

David Pipe and Tom Scudamore team up on the improving Starchitect, and we had him backed at Cheltenham last time, although with no luck. He finished off the pace that day, ending fifth in a race won by Road To Respect. On paper not the most impressive, but it was a decent effort in very good company and I expect his class to shine through here at 6/1. He deserves a little more respect than that.

4.20pm – Liverpool Hurdle

Supasundae is the one for us at a fantastic 11/2, third-favourite in a market dominated by Yanworth at 2/1. Punters will remember he was a solid winner of the Coral Cup at the Cheltenham Festival last time, beating Taquin Du Seuil into second. His finish won him plenty of admirers that day, staying on to get the job done. Has a nifty turn of foot, that will serve him well in this race against classy opposition. I believe there’s still more he can give.

5.15pm – Grand National

It’s the big one, and we have written plenty on this race, from past winners, to trainer profiles to a runner-by-runner guide. We’ve said everything we’re going to say, and now it’s time to pick what we think will go well. The National selection is Definitely Red. Brian Ellison’s rep made easy work of a warm up for this race, taking the Grimthorpe at Doncaster by some distance. Winning the Grand National would surprise no one, least of all traders. 10/1 at the time of writing.

6.15pm – Handicap Hurdle

It’ll be a strange atmosphere when this finale goes to post. Most race goers will be drowning their sorrows or celebrating backing the winner of the national. There’s a race to be won however, and for us Master Of Finance is the boy to be on. Has finished runner-up in each of his last two, but everything looks primed for him to strike at a chunky 11/1.

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