Horse Racing Tips: Paddy Power’s Cheat Sheet for Day 3 of Aintree’s Grand National Festival

IF THE CAP FITS has to enter calculations as a winner of a Grade 1 over this trip three years ago. He’s a player at an each-way price off his current rating.

ILIKEDWAYURTHINKIN ran in the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham but things didn’t go his way and he ended up sixth. The 3m will suit him and Mark Walsh is back on board.

PARTY BUSINESS was badly hampered in the Martin Pipe before making eye-catching late headway and the step up in trip will surely suit.

I like two in the opener. REMASTERED ran here in November and was only beaten by a length, and that form has held up, while PARTY BUSINESS put in an incredible run at Cheltenham.

I’ll have a few quid each-way on the chaser REMASTERED who will stay well and has a lovely racing weight for David Pipe and Tom Scudamore.

THREE STRIPE LIFE ran a really good race at Cheltenham. You have to think that form is better than any the others here have shown.

MIGHT I is fresh and stepping up in trip will suit. He’s come up against the likes of Constitution Hill and Jonbon recently but can bounce back.

NORTH LODGE won on debut at Aintree and has progressed since. He’s primed for another step forward at a track and on ground that will suit.

Three Stripe Life deserves to be favourite but I’m taking him on with GOOD RISK AT ALL. His rating underestimates his jumping ability.

THREE STRIPE LIFE ran a cracker when chasing home Sir Gerhard in the Ballymore at Cheltenham. It was a tidy effort and this looks easier.

EDWARDSTONE did us a favour at Cheltenham and I see no reason to desert him now. The interesting one taking him on is Gentleman De Mee.

It’s EDWARDSTONE’S to lose. Arkle horses have a decent record in this race and I’m happy to side with the Alan King runner.

EDWARDSTONE was foot perfect in the Arkle to continue an exceptional season for this ruthlessly efficient jumper. I can’t see anything to beat him.

Edwardstone is class but I can’t back him at his current price. I’ll take GENTLEMAN DE MEE in the Betting Without Edwardstone market. He has been solid on his last couple of starts.

It really is hard to oppose the impressive Arkle winner EDWARDSTONE for Alan King and Tom Cannon. Will be very hard to beat.

THYME HILL ran a really good race at The Festival this year finishing second to Flooring Porter. I’m hoping the form of the Phillip Hobbs team is okay and Thyme Hill can get his day in the sun.

I don’t see Thyme Hill reversing the Cheltenham form on FLOORING PORTER. He won easily and can complete the Cheltenham and Aintree double.

Reversing the Cheltenham form with Flooring Porter will be tough but a slightly better surface may just give THYME HILL a chance to defend his crown.

Just because of the prices, I’ll side with THYME HILL over Flooring Porter but I’m not super confident.

THYME HILL was given a brilliant ride by Tom O’Brien to land this last year and he can hunt down Flooring Porter who beat him in the Stayers’ at Cheltenham.

Tea Clipper’s the biggest danger to my selection, CAP DU NORD, who is 8lbs higher for his win at Kempton, but is still competitive.

I’m going for the top weight in ESPOIR DE ROMAY for Kim Bailey and David Bass. He’s a good each-way price and handles the track well.

SHAN BLUE has enjoyed a light campaign and back up to a trip that clearly suits, he should be able to take care of this field.

I’ll stick with TEA CLIPPER, who I fancied at Cheltenham. He showed enough that day but his jumping probably cost him a bit. This Aintree trip on better ground should really suit him.

CAP DU NORD must have each-way claims after bouncing back to form at Kempton last time. Jack Tudor’s mount is up 8lb for that success but still has a lovely racing weight of 10st 6lb. He stays and jumps well.

FIDDLERONTHEROOF gets the nod for me but needs to travel and jump better than he did at Ascot. Any Second Now was our fancy last year and he ran a a good race. Longhouse Poet and Delta Work could round out the first four.

ANY SECOND NOW is my main pick for the big one. He was unlucky last year but did well to finish third. Longhouse Poet, Delta Work and Fiddlerontheroof have claims too.

ESCARIA TEN is a strong stayer, comes off the back of an excellent prep run, and is well weighted to put his best foot forward.

MIGHTY THUNDER won the Scottish National last year and if the wind op works, he’s a great price. Fortescue is also worth a shout. Discorama and Top Ville Ben are two at long odds.

ANY SECOND NOW was a very unlucky third in the 2021 National when badly hampered at the 12th fence. You have to think he would have gone close to winning without that mishap. Escaria Ten and Longhouse Poet are also fancied.

HOULANBATORDECHAIS is wearing a hood and hopefully Paul Townend will be able to get a hold of him. He’s improved since running at Cheltenham.

HENRI THE SECOND will suit the left-handed track and has been kept fresh with this race in mind. Could prove a tough nut to crack.

I like LEAVE OF ABSENCE. He’s in fine form and has won at Kempton and Newbury this year.

ERNEST GRAY looks promising for Alan King and Tom Cannon. A good winner over in Ireland before scoring in style at Warwick.