*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widget, while in-copy odds are accurate at the time of publication but subject to change
Ruby Walsh has picked out his best bets for the opening day of the Grand National Festival at Aintree on Thursday.
Speaking on the latest episode of Paddy Power’s From The Horse’s Mouth podcast, our resident jockey-turned-pundit gave his take on what is set to be a high-class card on Merseyside.
- Check out all the latest Horse Racing tips and previews now
13.45 – Fusil Raffles
The Shunter is in this, rated 153 after his Paddy Power Plate win at Cheltenham so he is a couple of lbs wrong of FUSIL RAFFLES, who heads the betting. I thought Fusil Raffles ran really well in the Marsh Chase, with Shan Blue pushing him all the way, and he probably had a harder race than he needed.
However, I do fancy Fusil Raffles and I think back on a level track will suit him – as will a bit of good ground. It’s a big step up from the handicap that The Shunter won up to this. He was really impressive and always going half-speed, but you would like to think Fusil Raffles, Hitman, Eldorado Allen and even Protektorat off a mark of 140 would have been as competitive in that handicap chase.
14.20 – Monmiral
I’m a MONMIRAL fan, and after I watched him win at Exeter I thought he might be vulnerable at Doncaster with it being a faster track, but he absolutely hosed up. He was even better at Haydock so Monmiral all the way.
New to Paddy Power?
14.50 – Mister Fisher
I’m going for MISTER FISHER here. I think he was the only horse who could land a glove on Allaho and Min in the early stages of the Ryanair Chase. He made a bad mistake at the ninth, again at the 12th and also the 14th which put an end to his chance but he raced a bit keenly. I think Native River will buck out and go here so Mister Fisher could get a bit of cover and switch off. He’s a seven-year-old, improving and stepping up in trip.
DON’T MISS
- DON’T MISS OUR BRAND NEW SNAZZY RACECARDS FOR EVERY SINGLE RACE TODAY
- … THEN CHECK OUT ALL THE WINNERS BEFORE ANYONE ELSE WITH OUR FAST RESULTS
15.25 – Abacadabras
This is a hard race to get a handle on, but I don’t really see how McFabulous turns the form on Brewin’upastorm from Fontwell. Brewin’upastorm was head-and-shoulders the better horse on that occasion, and if Song For Someone hadn’t run at Wincanton I would probably be fancying him. But he did run at Wincanton and was shockingly disappointing on that occasion.
There is enough pace with Silver Streak and Not So Sleepy, while Jason The Militant likes to be up there too and McFabulous will probably force it along so I think it could all suit ABACADABRAS. I’m not his biggest fan but I think he’ll stay and this could really suit him. If I had a worry, it would be that the yard isn’t really flying. Run Wild Fred ran well in the Irish National but they had plenty of horses that were disappointing at Fairyhouse.
16.05 – N/A
Billaway is in good form, and he didn’t have any excuses at Cheltenham. He jumped well, travelled well and was always in a good position but just didn’t collect. I’m not certain coming back in trip is what he wants either. My hunters’ chase form knowledge is pretty shabby – but I am concerned about the trip for Billaway.
Having to bet to watch a race?
16.40 – Zanza
I thought ZANZA was disappointing at Cheltenham, but Michael Nolan takes over the ride here. He pulled up in the Grand Annual and I think he made a very bad mistake at the second fence which put him in a pretty awful position. He tried to make headway into midfield but was badly hampered by a faller and dropped to the rear at the ninth. I think he has been overlooked in the market because of it, so he’s an each-way chance.
17.15 – Eileendover
EILEENDOVER. Game over.
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widget, while in-copy odds are accurate at the time of publication but subject to change
Ruby Walsh’s Aintree bet summary – Thursday, April 8
13.45 – Fusil Raffles
14.20 – Monmiral
14.50 – Mister Fisher
15.25 – Abacadabras
16.05 – N/A
16.40 – Zanza
17.15 – Eileendover
Read More on the Grand National 2021
- Grand National 2021 race info including date and start time
- Grand National trends to note when picking your horse
- Grand National potential rides for Cheltenham queen Rachael Blackmore
- Grand National tips: Frank Hickey’s 16/1 shot to emulate Rule The World
- Grand National best winners of the 21st Century
- Grand National entries ahead of the handicapper
The Paddy Power Guide To Responsible Gambling – Everything You Need To Know
