Aintree Day One Predictions: Kevin Blake's Top Picks at 12/1, 11/1, and 3/1

The Grand National Festival kicks off at Aintree on Thursday with four Grade One events, and expert analyst Kevin Blake shares his top selections for the day. The highly anticipated Grand National Festival has finally arrived, bringing an end to the long winter. Aintree has taken measures to maintain the desired soft track conditions by applying ample water, promising an exciting few days of racing. Following a successful Cheltenham Festival, Blake aims to replicate that success this week. The first race of the week featuring the Grand National fences is the Randox Foxhunters' Open Hunters' Chase on Thursday, where LETS GO CHAMP, trained by Mags Mullins, is an intriguing contender. Despite being challenging to train, the 11-year-old has demonstrated significant talent. After switching to Mags Mullins for hunter chasing this season, LETS GO CHAMP achieved victories in point-to-points, including the prestigious Tetratema Cup Hunters Chase at Gowran Park in March. His style of racing, characterized by strong traveling and forward-going at mid-range trips, makes him well-suited for this test. Furthermore, he is an adept jumper with the right technique for these fences. Blake finds LETS GO CHAMP to be overpriced in this contest. Another notable race is the Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Chase, where SANS BRUIT, trained by Paul Nicholls, has dominated in the past two renewals. The BHA handicapping team has been generous with SANS BRUIT, dropping his mark by 9lb after four below-par runs. This leniency has allowed SANS BRUIT to thrive, and he is expected to perform well once again. The final race of interest is the Goffs Nickel Coin Mares' National Hunt Flat Race, where LENNON GROVE, trained by Gavin Cromwell, is a promising Irish-trained horse. With ample experience in point-to-points and bumpers, including a win at Thurles and a third-place finish in a Listed mares' bumper at Sandown, LENNON GROVE is poised for success. Blake believes she is overpriced and expects her to show improvement with a more forward ride.