Aintree Grand National Day One: Selections & Guide
Expert analysis and practical betting advice for Aintree
This expanded guide complements the original Day One selections and adds context on form, ground, trainers and wagering approach. All content is informational and aimed at helping readers understand the factors behind the picks.
Original selections and notes from the writer
After a long-ish layoff after sitting in the Caribbean sun, I’m back on Best of Bets with my selections for Day One of the Aintree Grand National Festival. Let’s hope for some winners, and some better luck than Cheltenham offered.
NAP: BANBRIDGE – Manifesto Novices’ Chase – 13/8
My Cheltenham Festival nap is finally back! After missing the Turners’ due to the ground, connections think that he’ll suit the better ground here. Despite the fact the forecast has given rain out for two of the three days in Liverpool. However, the form from the Irish Arkle has been backed up by El Fabiolo, and horses that missed Cheltenham seem to gain an advantage over horses that went. Stage Star, and Saint Roi fall victim, so it seems Banbridge has been primed for this race.
E/W BET: Scriptwriter – 4-Y-O Anniversary Hurdle – 7/1
At one point Milton Harris thought this horse would batter the Irish in the Triumph. He would have had a job on to get into the first 10! His last run at Kempton wasn’t pretty, but I think the run can be excused. He was raced differently, being covered up on the inside instead of being produced late on. He also scoped badly after the race too which also makes more sense for his poor showing at Kempton. Harris knows how to win this race, by any means, with Knight Salute last year. Scriptwriter is a similar type, and Harry Cobden is an eye-catching jockey booking.
Handicap Best: Dancing On My Own – Red Rum Handicap Chase – 8/1
This could be the worst piece of handicapping seen on a Irish horse at this Festival. In saying that, ground was the excuses for those two runs, so should get it a bit more to his liking today. The de Bromhead stable hasn’t been flying since Cheltenham. One win from their last 30 runs isn’t good, but with everything looking bleak for this horse, things may turn out good. Each-way fancies in the race are Mackenberg, for Donald McCain. Northern trainers at Northern festivals are a massive plus and Mackenberg has fallen steadily down the handicap to find his last winning mark of 140. The other is the rank outsider Vado Forte. Another that missed Cheltenham, and despite not winning since the Galway festival, he could find one of the extra places to run a big race.
All prices are William Hill – Official Betting Partner of the Grand National
Selections:
13:45 – BANBRIDGE (NAP)
14:20 – Zenta (SCRIPTWRITER E/W)
14:55 – Ahoy Senor
15:30 – Zanahiyr (W/O Constitution Hill)
16:05 – Winged Leader
16:40 – Dancing On My Own (Mackenberg & Vado Forte e/w)
17:30 – Lunar Discovery (She’s A Fine Wine e/w)
The very best of luck!
Assessing key races and standout selections today
The Manifesto Novices’ Chase and the 4-Y-O Anniversary Hurdle are the focal points for form study on Day One. Each race has distinct pace, ground and experience variables that explain the writer’s preferences.
Why Banbridge looks well placed despite conditions
Banbridge’s profile fits a stronger, proven novice with a preference for better ground and progressive form. Missing Cheltenham can be a tactical advantage when the principals have had a hard campaign and the race conditions change.
Form pointers and how missing Cheltenham helps
Horses that bypassed Cheltenham often arrive fresher and can improve on a better gallop or quicker ground, which the writer highlights. Compare mileage, recovery and the nature of the previous race when assessing horses who ran at Cheltenham and those who did not.
Scriptwriter: form, tactics and jockey booking impact
Scriptwriter’s poor Kempton run is explained by tactics and a bad scope, not necessarily a loss of ability, which is why an each-way angle with Harry Cobden aboard makes sense. Trainer patterns and jockey selections are immediate clues for confidence levels with such types.
Handicap strategies for Red Rum and similar cards
Handicaps at Aintree reward connections who time a target and identify horses sliding to a workable mark. Look for trainers comfortable in big handicaps and horses with solid chase form at similar tracks.
Dancing On My Own and each-way value explained
Dancing On My Own is a yardstick selection in the Red Rum handicap where conditions and recent form create a case for a rebound. Each-way value for outsiders such as Mackenberg and Vado Forte depends on small-field pace and extra place terms available with bookmakers.
Jockey bookings and trainer trends to follow
Jockey choices such as Harry Cobden and consistent trainer form provide reliable signals on confidence and tactical intent. Track record of both at Aintree and in these specific races should influence stake sizing and bet type.
Why rider-trainer partnerships matter at Aintree
Established partnerships often show how a horse will be ridden and whether a stable is prioritising a target. Note short-term bookings that indicate a horse has been specifically prepared for the meeting.
Weather, ground and how they affect each selection
Forecast rain can change race dynamics; horses expecting better ground may see their chances reduced, while mud-loving types can gain an edge. Always check the final going and adjust exposure accordingly.
Monitoring the going and late market moves
Late market movement can reflect stable reports and jockey confirmations; watching how prices shift in the hours before the off is practical for refining bets. If significant support arrives, revisit stake levels and consider trimming or extending coverage.
Practical staking and risk management advice
Construct a staking plan based on value and confidence, using small, accountable stakes for each-way choices and larger relative stakes for the NAP. Never stake more than you can afford to lose and avoid chasing losses.
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Where to compare markets and check offers responsibly
Use bookmaker comparison tools to find sensible prices and extra-place terms rather than chasing a single price. Promotional offers can change place terms and payout structures, so compare responsibly before placing any bets.
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Post-race evaluation and learning for future cards
After the meeting, review how ground, pace and tactics influenced the results and update your notebook on trainers, jockeys and individual horses. Learning from outcomes helps refine future selections and staking discipline.
Frequently asked questions about Aintree tips today
Is this betting content suitable for everyone?
No. The content is intended for readers aged 18 and over and is for information only. It should not be taken as financial advice or a promise of returns.
Why are some horses given NAP or each-way tags?
These tags reflect the writer’s view of relative confidence and value based on form, trainers, jockeys and conditions. NAPs are strong single picks, while each-way bets suggest value across the places.
Should I follow every selection at the same stake?
Staking should reflect your own bankroll and confidence; apply a structured plan rather than matching every selection with the same stake. Use smaller stakes for longer shots and each-way plays.
How much does the going influence selections?
The going is a major factor; some horses need quicker ground while others handle soft or heavy conditions. Check official going reports and trainer comments before finalising bets.
Where can I find the best available odds and offers?
Compare bookmakers using our comparison pages to find competitive odds and extra-place offers. Always read the terms and gamble responsibly if you choose to use promotional offers.
What should I do if gambling becomes a problem?
If gambling impacts your life, seek help immediately through support services such as GamCare in the UK. Set deposit limits and take breaks to keep betting under control.
Do trainer and jockey patterns really matter?
Yes. Consistent trainer performance at a festival and specific jockey bookings often reveal a horse’s chance and intended ride. Use these signals alongside form to make informed decisions.
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