A look at Aintree Thursday.

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13:45 AintreeThu 13 Apr 2m4f Grd1 Nov Chs

  1. Banbridge (IRE): A strong contender with major claims, having won the Martin Pipe in 2022 and quickly improving as a chaser, including a Grade 2 win at Cheltenham. However, the ground condition may impact his performance, and he would prefer good to soft conditions.
  2. Saint Roi (FR): A very smart hurdler and equally good over fences, with a Grade 1 win at Leopardstown. He finished third in a competitive race at the Cheltenham Festival and is unproven over this trip. He is definitely in the mix for this race.
  3. Stage Star (IRE): Another strong contender, having won the Challow Hurdle and the Golden Miller Novices’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. He’s a bold-jumping front runner with potential for further improvement, making him a serious threat.
  4. Straw Fan Jack: Although he has shown good form over fences, he has found the competition at the highest level challenging. He finished fourth in the Arkle, 16 lengths behind Saint Roi, and this race may prove to be another tough task for him.
  5. Visionarian (IRE): Despite a couple of early wins over fences and a second-place finish to Saint Roi in a Grade 1 race, he has not been able to repeat that form in the Irish Arkle. It’s best to look elsewhere for the winner.

Based on the analysis, Stage Star (IRE) and Saint Roi (FR) appear to have the best chances of winning, with Banbridge (IRE) being another strong contender if the ground conditions suit him.

14:20 AintreeThu 13 Apr 2m1f Grd1 Juv Hrd

  1. Bo Zenith (FR): An improving hurdler with two wins in Britain, and suited to this track. He’s one to watch and should be respected in the race.
  2. Chaos Control (IRE): A fair handicapper on the Flat and won his last race at Market Rasen, but faces a significantly tougher challenge in this race. Not a top contender.
  3. Greyval (FR): An ex-French filly with two wins since joining Fergal O’Brien and switching to hurdles. She’s a promising sort and should be considered in this race.
  4. Jipcot (FR): Despite a better performance than the result suggested in the Triumph, he hasn’t shown enough to suggest he’ll play a significant role in this race.
  5. Nusret: Has strong form in Ireland and Britain, including a win against Perseus Way in the Adonis at Kempton. He has solid claims in this race.
  6. Pawapuri: Showed promise in the Adonis, but she has plenty to find compared to Nusret and Perseus Way. Not a top choice.
  7. Perseus Way (IRE): Consistently performing well, including a win in the Chatteris Fen and a close second in the Adonis. He remains in form and is a strong contender.
  8. Rightsotom (GER): Had a decent run in the Triumph but didn’t threaten the leaders. Others are preferred in this race.
  9. Sarsons Risk (IRE): A fairly useful performer on the Flat, but this race will be more challenging than his previous hurdles starts. Not a top pick.
  10. Scriptwriter (IRE): Despite a disappointing run in the Adonis, he has shown progressive form, including Grade 2 wins and a clear second. He represents last year’s winning yard and could bounce back in this race.
  11. Zenta (FR): A strong contender with a Listed win in France and a Grade 3 win at Fairyhouse. She ran well in the Triumph Hurdle and is top-rated and still improving. She is the one to beat in this race.

Based on the analysis, Zenta (FR) appears to be the strongest contender, with Nusret and Perseus Way (IRE) also having good chances. Bo Zenith (FR) and Greyval (FR) should not be overlooked as they have shown promise and potential for further improvement.

14:55 AintreeThu 13 Apr 3m1f Grd1 Chs

  1. Ahoy Senor (IRE): High class on his day, with a haphazard jumping record but aiming for an Aintree festival hat-trick. He is respected back at this venue and could be a strong contender if he has a clear round.
  2. A Plus Tard (FR): Highly impressive in the Gold Cup and Betfair Chase last season, but has been pulled up in both outings this term. If he can bounce back to his previous form, he would be the top choice in this race.
  3. Bravemansgame (FR): Highly progressive, with a great performance in the Cheltenham Gold Cup and a win in the King George. If he maintains that level of form, he’s a major player in this race. NON RUNNER
  4. Conflated (IRE): A dual Grade 1 winner at Leopardstown in 2022 and ran well in this contest last year. He’s not the top-rated contender but has a solid profile and should give a good account of himself.
  5. Ga Law (FR): Generally progressive but clear bottom of this strong pack on ratings. He has improved this term but has plenty to find against the top contenders in this race.
  6. Shishkin (IRE): A class act when everything goes smoothly, with multiple Cheltenham Festival wins and a Grade 1 novice success at Aintree. Reinventing himself at this new trip and could be a major contender if he can cut out the errors.

Based on the analysis, A Plus Tard (FR) and Bravemansgame (FR) NON RUNNER appear to be the strongest contenders, with Ahoy Senor (IRE) and Shishkin (IRE) also having good chances if they can overcome their respective jumping issues. Conflated (IRE) should not be overlooked, but Ga Law (FR) has more to prove against these stronger competitors.

15:30 AintreeThu 13 Apr 2m4f Grd1 Hrd

  1. Constitution Hill: Exceptional performance in the Supreme at Cheltenham Festival and won the Champion Hurdle last month. The longer trip should not be an issue, and he is the clear favourite in this race.
  2. I Like To Move It: Took his form up a notch this season, winning the Greatwood and Kingwell Hurdles. However, he finished well-beaten in the Champion Hurdle and has plenty to prove here. Could be an each-way contender if he produces his best form.
  3. Sceau Royal (FR): A very smart hurdler/chaser but this trip will stretch his stamina. Cheekpieces on for the first time, but others are preferred for places.
  4. Sharjah (FR): Acquitted himself well this season but the longer trip is not guaranteed to suit. Could be an each-way possibility if he sees out the distance.
  5. Zanahiyr (IRE): Ran right up to his best in the Champion Hurdle and the return to a longer trip is a plus. A major player for the forecast, but hard to see him beating Constitution Hill.
  6. Epatante (FR): A classy mare who won this event last year and could bounce back to form. Likely to be best of the rest behind stablemate Constitution Hill.

Based on the analysis, Constitution Hill is the standout contender and the most likely winner of this race. Zanahiyr (IRE) and Epatante (FR) seem to be strong contenders for the second place, while I Like To Move It, Sharjah (FR), and Sceau Royal (FR) could be in the mix for places, depending on their performance on the day.

16:05 AintreeThu 13 Apr 2m5f Hunt Chs

  1. Bennys King (IRE) – Has mounted a minor revival in hunters lately and won in convincing style at Fakenham last time. Can’t be ruled out.
  2. Cousin Pascal (FR) – Won this race in 2021 and wasn’t totally disgraced when second at Leicester 44 days ago. Has experience and potential to perform well.
  3. Famous Clermont (FR) – Showed useful form in hunter chases and traveled well in the Festival Challenge Cup at Cheltenham. The drop back in trip could be in his favor.
  4. Fier Jaguen (FR) – A multiple point winner who made a pleasing start in hunters and had an easy win between the flags last time. Worthy of respect back under Rules.
  5. Latenightpass – Defending champion who has looked as good as ever in points lately, and should go well in his bid to defend his crown.
  6. Magic Saint (FR) – Completed a rather straightforward task at Wincanton last time and has previously run well in big fields. No forlorn hope.
  7. Not That Fuisse (FR) – Useful chaser who scored at Wetherby on return and backed it up with a respectable second to I K Brunel at Taunton. Could get involved if they go too quick.
  8. Winged Leader (IRE) – Highly likeable, fit from a hat-trick between the flags, and looks set for a bold showing.

These runners seem to have the best chances of winning based on their recent form and performances.

16:40 AintreeThu 13 Apr 2m Hcap Chs

  1. Third Time Lucki: A smart novice chaser last season and has shown good form after wind surgery, winning at Sandown and shaping well at Cheltenham in March. He is expected to find extra on less testing ground.
  2. Dancing On My Own: Ran a strong race in this event 12 months ago, finishing second from the front. Although his recent form has been mixed, a return to more prominent tactics on suitable ground should see him involved in the finish.
  3. Grey Diamond: Impressed at Haydock recently and has shown improvement since last year’s race. He is on a career-high mark, but his last performance suggested he could reach a new level.
  4. Douglas Talking: An exciting prospect with immediate improvement after switching to fences. He has looked impressive this spring, particularly at Sandown in March. Despite being raised 10lb, he could still rate higher.
  5. The Last Day: A C&D winner and last year’s winner of this race, he has not been in the same form this season but this race will likely have been the target. He is only 2lb higher than last year and can’t be ruled out.
  6. Hatcher: Well treated on his best form and showed promise with a third-place finish at Ascot recently. He can be involved in the finish if he can build on that performance.

These six contenders seem to have the best chance of winning based on their recent form

17:15 AintreeThu 13 Apr 2m1f Grd2 NHF

  1. Alfie’s Princess (IRE): She has shown plenty of ability in her previous races and is open to improvement. If she settles better, she could be a strong contender in this race.
  2. Baby Sage: An impressive winner on debut at Warwick and has potential for further improvement. Given her dam’s performance in this race in 2011, she could be a contender.
  3. Casa No Mento: With two wins under her belt and a close second in a Listed mares’ bumper at Sandown, she merits respect and might not be far away.
  4. Dysart Enos (IRE): A comfortable winner in both starts under Rules, he looks a player in this race and could be thereabouts.
  5. Ici La Reine (IRE): Unbeaten in her first two starts, she has shown promise and could be a possible player in this race with further improvement.
  6. Jolie Coeur Allen (FR): A strong finisher in her debut race and half-sister to a Grade 3 hurdle winner, she is an interesting contender with top connections. Market strength would hold great significance.
  7. July Flower (FR): Unbeaten in two French bumpers and now with a top Irish stable, she brings considerable potential to her stable debut and is worth monitoring in the betting.
  8. Magic Dawn (IRE): Improved significantly in her second race and has since joined a top Irish yard. Further improvement seems likely, and she could have a part to play.
  9. Notkeepinyagoing (IRE): A winner on her bumper debut and with the runner-up performing well in subsequent races, she is firmly in calculations.
  10. Seeyouinmydreams: An easy winner on both starts, she is an exciting prospect for her top yard. If she settles better against classier opposition, she could play a leading role.

Based on the analysis, runners like Alfie’s Princess, Baby Sage, Dysart Enos, Ici La Reine, Jolie Coeur Allen, July Flower, Magic Dawn, and Seeyouinmydreams seem to have the best chance of winning.

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