Aintree Betting Tips
13:45 – Jonbon
14:25 – West Balboa
15:00 – Dark Raven
15:35 – Maries Rock
16:15 – Shakem Uparry
17:15 – Longhouse Poet
18:20 – Pour Les Filles
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
13:45 – Jonbon
Notlongtillmay came close to springing a 40/1 shocker in the Turners Novice Chase at Cheltenham and considering that performance, I’m surprised connections are dropping him back to 2 miles here. This looks an ideal opportunity for JONBON to resume winning ways after a gallant run in defeat in the Arkle Chase. This horse seems to take racing well having endured a tough race in last season’s Supreme before beating El Fabiolo in a tight battle at this meeting. He’ll be pleased to not meet that rival again this afternoon.
14:25 – West Balboa
Lightly raced and open to any amount of progression, I like the look of WEST BALBOA in this for the Skeltons. Impressive in the Lanzarote at Kempton, this mare should be very dangerous off her mark of 135.
15:00 – Dark Raven
Unlike most of his opposition, DARK RAVEN hasn’t had a busy season and is given the nod to build on his encouraging run in the Supreme. Up in trip and representing racing’s top team, he could shine on better conditions this afternoon.
15:35 – Maries Rock
I question the overall quality of the Cheltenham Stayer’s Hurdle form. Can Sire De Berlais be at his best as an 11yo? Dashel Drasher really? Teahupoo came from the clouds … hmmm. MARIES ROCK could be the one to beat the boys here considering how much class she has shown over shorter trips and yet seems to stay extremely well. Connections were undecided pre-Cheltenham whether the Stayers or the Mares was the right race in which to run. Of course, they chose the latter which ultimately turned into a sprint – something she’s most definitely not equipped to do but this test could bring out her best qualities. Follow Flooring Porter Nico and you could be on a winner here.
16:15 – Shaken Uparry
Ben Pauling’s SHAKEM UPARRY ran a terrific race to be third in the Plate at Cheltenham and can run another big race here off just 1lb higher mark. He jumps, stays and ran well at the track last year over two miles. He should give another bold show today.
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17:15 – Longhouse Poet
The world’s most famous race and one of the most viewed sporting spectacles of the year. Ever since crossing the line in sixth position last year, I have fancied LONGHOUSE POET to improve that position under a more conservative ride. Perhaps the occasion combined with a positive ride lit him up last year but I suspect the horse and his team will have learned some valuable lessons from that experience.
He reminds me of Hedgehunter who did something similar before winning the race in 2005. He is my idea of the most likely winner and of those who might be worth each-way consideration, I like the prospects of Capodanno who was strongly considered for the Gold Cup and has strong Grade 1 form for the Irish Grand National winning combination Willie Mullins and J P McManus.
18:20 – Pour Les Filles
I was impressed by the strong finishing performance produced by POUR LES FILLES at Leopardstown in December and hope he can progress from that to make a good impression here under Davy Russell. A point to point winner who stayed strongly in his only bumper to date, a strong gallop would really suit this son of Pour Moi.
Jane Mangan’s Aintree Betting Tips
13:45 – Jonbon
14:25 – West Balboa
15:00 – Dark Raven
15:35 – Maries Rock
16:15 – Shakem Uparry
17:15 – Longhouse Poet
18:20 – Pour Les Filles
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
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