Expert Picks for Aintree Day One: Kevin Blake's Top Selections

The highly anticipated Grand National Festival commences at Aintree on Thursday, featuring four prestigious Grade One events. Renowned expert Kevin Blake shares his top picks for the day, including a trio of compelling contenders. Following a successful outing at the Cheltenham Festival, Blake aims to replicate his success this week. The inaugural race of the week, the Randox Foxhunters' Open Hunters' Chase, takes place on Thursday at 3:30, with LETS GO CHAMP emerging as a notable contender. Trained by Mags Mullins, the 11-year-old has showcased impressive talent despite facing challenges in his training. Having won a valuable handicap chase at the Punchestown Festival two years ago, LETS GO CHAMP has consistently demonstrated his ability, including notable performances in the Galway Plate and the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham. After switching to hunter chasing this season, he achieved victories in point-to-points, beating prominent opponents and further solidifying his position among the top hunter chasers in Ireland. What makes LETS GO CHAMP an attractive choice for this contest is his racing style, characterized by strong traveling and forward-going at mid-range trips, which will serve him well in this test. Additionally, he is an adept jumper with the right technique for these fences. Although his rider, Sophie Carter, cannot utilize her claim in this race, she has ridden him to victory in his last two wins and is familiar with his strengths. LETS GO CHAMP appears to be overpriced, making him an appealing selection. The Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Chase, scheduled for 4:40, is typically a competitive event, but SANS BRUIT, trained by Paul Nicholls, has dominated the last two renewals. The BHA handicapping team has played a significant role in his success, exemplifying their cooperative approach when handicapping British-trained runners. After winning the race for the first time with a mark of 130 in 2024, SANS BRUIT went on to perform admirably off a higher mark but was then generously dropped 9lb by the handicappers for four below-par runs. This aggressive drop allowed Paul Nicholls to bring SANS BRUIT back to the race off the same mark as the previous year, resulting in another convincing victory. The handicappers have once again been generous, dropping SANS BRUIT 11lb for five runs this season that were not particularly poor. It is evident that SANS BRUIT was being worked towards this race, and the handicappers have been more than willing to accommodate him. The extent of this generosity can be seen in the fact that SANS BRUIT was installed as the favorite from the opening show, and his odds are likely to shorten further. The final race of interest is the Goffs Nickel Coin Mares' National Hunt Flat Race at 5:15, where LENNON GROVE, trained by Gavin Cromwell, emerges as a promising Irish-trained contender. The five-year-old has amassed considerable experience, having won a point-to-point and participated in four bumpers. Her most notable performance was a third-place finish in a Listed mares' bumper at Sandown in March, where she was held up in rear and made notable late gains. Now that she has secured black type, it is anticipated that she will be given a more forward ride, and she may exhibit further improvement. LENNON GROVE appears to be overpriced, making her an attractive selection.