Now that the dust has settled from the explosive Cheltenham Festival, all roads lead to Merseyside for National Hunt’s climactic three days, The 2017 Aintree Festival. Most attention is of course focused on Saturday’s world famous Grand National handicap chase although there are some illustrious names featured on all three race days, including some high profile participants from The Cheltenham Festival. The Champion Hurdler, Buveur D’Air is looking to score again quickly in Thursday’s Aintree Hurdle where he’s not surprisingly a very hot order indeed.
Aintree is mostly about those big fences but there’s plenty of Grade One action on show.
THURSDAY
The Aintree Hurdle:
Buveur D’Air should have this in the bag after his 4 ½ length victory in the 2 mile Champion Hurdle. He shouldn’t be bothered by the extra 4 furlongs as he showed he can stay with a turn of foot if needed. Others to look out for should include The New One (8/1 best with Boylesports) who has a great record in this race and the inform My Tent Or Yours, who looks great each way value at 14/1 with most firms. Yanworth disappointed at Cheltenham last time but may appreciate the extra distance whilst Apple’s Jade is probably the biggest danger to Buveur D’Air based on her Mares Hurdle win over Vroum Vroum Mag at The Festival. A fascinating race in store which Buveur D’Air should hold, albeit narrowly.
Champion Hurdler Buveur D’Air is set for another big run in the Aintree Hurdle on Thursday.
The Aintree Bowl Chase:
The public’s love affair with Cue Card continues as the Colin Tizzard trained 11 year old attempts to win the The Aintree Bowl for the second year in succession. At 15/8 best (Betfair Sportsbook) this seems poor value especially considering his age and his fall last time in The Gold Cup when he looked beaten. However, his previous run at Ascot was a blinder and he isn’t up against much in this renewal. Empire Of Dirt (4/1 with William Hill) needs to improve on his 4th to Un De Sceaux in The Ryanair Chase whilst Outlander (7/1 most firms) flopped in The Gold Cup. Bristol De Mai (6/1 at bet365, Sky Bet, William Hill) has had some eye catching runs this season but was 20 lengths behind Sizing John in The Gold Cup. Sub Lieutenant looks like a very worthy each way contender based on his brilliant second behind Un De Sceaux in the Ryanair. He can be grabbed at 12/1 with bet365 and Sky Bet. Twice winner of this event Silviniaco Conti is surely in the twilight of his career but can be counted after his decent run behind Thistlecrack in The King George (14/1 most firms).
Cue Card will be looking to get back on winning form in the Aintree Bowl.
FRIDAY
Top Novice Hurdle
Moon Racer will be looking to make amends after his poor showing in the Champion Hurdle although River Wylde looks a live threat after his useful third in the Supreme Novices and may improve further. Lough Derg Spirit also comes into consideration as he was bypassed for Cheltenham to run in this. No prices available at time of writing.
Mildmay Novices Chase
Plucky RSA Chase winner Might Bite should go off as a warm order in this renewal and looks the one to beat. However, Whisper who finished inches second will be looking for revenge and has winning form at Aintree. Alpha Des Obeaux looks like the each way option.
Might Bite seen here winning the RSA Chase at Cheltenham this year.
The Melling Chase
This looks like a fascinating clash headed by Champion Chase runner-up Fox Norton (5/2 best with Sky Bet) who should take all the beating. However, God’s Own (3/1 best with Sky Bet) who won this last year will be looking to improve on his decent effort in the Champion Chase. Josses Hill could be an each way alternative at 14/1 best with Betfair Sportsbook.
SATURDAY
The Liverpool Hurdle
An enticing renewal of the Liverpool Hurdle is on the cards as Stayers Hurdle flop Unowhatimeanharry (2/1 best Sky Bet) will be looking to reaffirm himself as the long distance hurdling leader. However, his Cheltenham nemesis Nicholls Canyon (9/2 Sky Bet, Stan James) is back for more although the ever consistent and tough Lil Rockefeller seems to be getting better and better with every race and could surprise them all by finally landing a major Grade One event.
Unowhatimeanharry will be looking to re-establish his credentials in the Liverpool Hurdle.
Good luck with all bet in the Aintree Festival!
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