Grand National Day

By Profit Swing

The big day is here and I think we will see last year’s hero Mon Mome defend his crown successfully in what is sure to be a fast run race on good ground. The National takes centre stage but there is a really strong supporting card to get stuck into.

13:45 2m 4f Class 1 John Smith's Mersey Novices Hurdle (grade 2) (4yo plus)

We will stick with our system of opposing Cheltenham winners and take on the red hot favourite Peddlers Cross here who defends his unbeaten record. The horse I like is Duke of Lucca trained by Philip Hobbs and ridden by Richard Johnson. He impressed last time out and will appreciate the step up in trip.

Pick: 1 point EW 1/5 1,2,3 Duke of Lucca 9.0 Bet365 (Best odds guaranteed)

14:15 2m 0f Class 1 John Smith's Maghull Novices Chase (grade 1) (5yo plus)

Ferdy Murphy will have been gutted by stable star Kalahari King's fall yesterday but he could well be cheered up by Bedlam Boy in this race who is fancied to go well at a big price. The faster the ground the better for this horse and he swerved Cheltenham to wait for this.

Pick: 1 point EW 1/5 1,2,3 Bedlam Boy 13.0 Betfred (Best odds guaranteed)

14:50 2m 4f Class 1 John Smith's Dick Francis Aintree Hurdle (grade 1) (4yo plus)

A poor renewal of this race where I see Zaynar being too strong for his rivals over what looks his optimum trip of two and a half miles.

Pick: 3 points win Zaynar 2.63 Betfred (Best odds guaranteed)

15:25 3m 1f Class 1 John Smith's Handicap Chase (listed) (5yo plus)

Another tough handicap but I think the Henderson yard might have a quick double in the shape of Wogan who has looked a different horse on flat tracks. He can build on his Doncaster win here.

Pick: 2 points win Wogan 6.5 Sportingbet

16:15 4m 4f Class 1 John Smith's Grand National Chase (grade 3 Handicap) (6yo plus)

This year is no different to any other with every newspaper and website seemingly tipping a different horse but I strongly fancy Mon Mome to follow up last year’s win. He lagged up last year and the drying ground makes me more confident that he can carry the extra weight. The fact he was third in the Gold Cup last time out adds to his very strong case. The other I like in the race is last year’s Irish National winner Niche Market if he takes to these fences he could be very dangerous indeed.

Pick: 2 points EW 1/4 1,2,3,4 Mon Mome 16.0 William Hill (Best odds guaranteed)

Pick: 0.5 point EW 1/4 1,2,3,4 Niche Market 21.0 Sportingbet

17:00 2m 0f 110yrds Class 2 John Smith's Handicap Hurdle (conditional Jockeys And Amateur Riders) (4yo plus)

The amateurs and conditionals take centre stage while most people watch reruns of the National. Leslingtaylor warmed up for this with a win on the flat and he may well retain enough ability to take this, Nina Carberry takes the ride.

Pick: 1 point EW 1/4 1,2,3,4 Leslingtaylor 13.0 Bet365 (Best odds guaranteed)


17:35 2m 1f Class 1 John Smith's Champion Standard Open Nh Flat Race (grade 2) (4-6yo)

To end a great three days racing we have the bumper which has thrown up a few shocks over the years. Jonjo did us a favour yesterday and he can do us another one with Amuse Me. This flat bred was bought by JP McManus after winning a little race for Geoff Harker. He has been working very well and the ground will be ideal, a big run is expected.

Pick: 1.5 points EW 1/4 1,2,3 Amuse Me 13.0 Bet365 (Best odds guaranteed)

Have a great national day everyone and let’s hope Mon Mome can win back to back Nationals!!

Profit Swing