Day One was one of the best days of tipping. Two favourites kicked us off, an unlucky second in the third. Two blanks and then a big win in the handicap! Let’s continue that trend as we head onto Ladies’ Day at Aintree. Here’s the day two preview for Best of Bets
NAP: FAKIR D’OUDAIRIES – Melling Chase – 9/4
Fakir D’oudaires will be back to his best on Friday, I’m certain. His Ascot Chase defence wasn’t great, and Joseph O’Brien has opted for the first time cheekpieces. With Shishkin back to his best yesterday, the form is franked. Pic D’Orhy is an interesting second fav, but pulled up at Aintree last year which isn’t a great sign. With Joseph O’Brien on the card, and a sterling week for one JP McManus, Fakir holds all the aces for Friday’s feature.
E/W BET: Rubaud – Top Novices’ Hurdle – 20/1
A Grade Two winner, in good style, who has been purposefully aimed at this race since his Kempton win. Yes the form hasn’t worked out with Mullenbeg. But his rating is in the top 10 of the race. Four of the top 10 rated horses missed Cheltenham, including Rubaud. Good ground may be his preference, but the rain scheduled shouldn’t be a deluge and may work out for the Paul Nicholls second-string.
Handicap Best: Gesskille – Topham Handicap Chase – 8/1
Two runs over the big fences puts him at a massive advantage. Finishing close seconds each time puts him at an even bigger advantage. Despite his last run, his rating of 140 is perfect. He’s been treated well in the weights and puts him in a great position to turn the tide.
National fence experience is key, and only few have competed over them. One of them is Al Dancer, who nosed off Gesskille in the Grand Sefton. He’s been kept fresh for the race, which is always a good sign. His rating is quite high at 149, but he’s won off higher at 151. Double figure price is worth a decent each-way bet.
A lot further down the prices is Fantastic Lady. She unseated in last year’s race off , 137 and goes off 4lbs higher this term, which isn’t too bad. Kept fresh since New Year’s Day at Cheltenham, she should have a better crack at it this time.
All prices are William Hill – Official Betting Partner of the Grand National
Selections:
13:45 – Bronn
14:20 – Dargiannini (Sonigino e/w)
14:55 – Inthepocket (RUBAUD E/W)
15:30 – FAKIR D’OUDAIRIES (NAP)
16:05 – GESSKILLE (Al Dancer & Fantastic Lady e/w)
16:40 – Stay Away Fay (Apple Away e/w)
17:30 – Go Dante
The very best of luck!
