Grand National tips – Seven horses to back on day one at Aintree

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SHISHKIN is fancied to flourish in the Alder Hey Aintree Bowl Chase (2.55) on day one of the Grand National meeting. Nicky Henderson’s Grade One ace steps up to 3m 1f for the first time – and the omens are good.

Over the longest trip he has tried so far, the 12-time winner bounced right back to form in February’s Ascot Chase. Shishkin left titleholder Fakir D’Oudairies trailing as he powered on by 16 lengths from Pic D’Orhy.

Propelled to the top of the Ryanair Chase market on the back of that, he failed to meet market expectations for the second year in a row. It could be the track, or the bounce factor after such an impressive prior run – but there is no doubt he has the raw talent to rank highly here.

Ahoy Senor’s fall hampered A Plus Tard, who was pulled up by Rachael Blackmore. However it would have been hard to envisage him overhauling the principals the way he was jumping – and the jury is out.

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Henderson double act CONSTITUTION HILL is impossible to oppose in the William Hill Aintree Hurdle (3.30). One of the greatest ever in this sphere, he inflicted a heavy defeat on proven top level horse State Man at Cheltenham. The slick jumper used his scope to clear the final flight, from an early take off – and this should be easy pickings for the hot favourite.

ZENTA looks a cut above the Jewson Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle (2.20, trb) field. Willie Mullins’ market leader gets the fillies’ allowance and ran to a high standard behind stablemates Lossiemouth and Gala Marceau in the Triumph Hurdle. She is fancied to step forward again from that first real test, with Mark Walsh back in the saddle.

Rachael Blackmore rides Ain’t That A Shame for Henry de Bromhead in Saturday’s Randox Grand National. And race six, the Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Chase (4.40), sees her team up with the trainer’s DANCING ON MY OWN. Second 12 months ago, Milan’s son has been kept fresh to launch another bold bid.

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Gina Andrews and Latenightpass are out to defend their Randox Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Chase (4.05) crown. The jockey’s brother Jack takes them on with NOT THAT FUISSE, in the colours of Cheltenham handicap hero Langer Dan. A confirmed stayer, the selection lacks the class of some of these, however this will be run to suit with the progressive Fier Jaguen one of several pace angles.

AINTREE

1.45 Banbridge (nb)

2.20 Zenta (treble)

2.55 Shishkin

3.30 Constitution Hill

4.05 Not That Fuisse

4.40 Dancing On My Own

5.15 Seeyouinmydreams

THE SCOUT TREBLE CHANCE

Nap: Lilandra (8.00 Chelmsford)

Nb: Banbridge (1.45 Aintree)

Treble: Zenta (2.20 Aintree)

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