Expert Tips for Aintree Day One: Kevin Blake's 12/1, 11/1, and 3/1 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 LETS GO CHAMP, SANS BRUIT, and LENNON GROVE. After a successful outing at the Cheltenham Festival, Blake aims to replicate his success at Aintree. The Grand National Festival promises to be an exhilarating experience, with Aintree taking measures to maintain the ideal track conditions. The first race of the week, the Randox Foxhunters' Open Hunters' Chase, takes place on Thursday, and LETS GO CHAMP is a strong contender. Trained by Mags Mullins, this 11-year-old has demonstrated considerable talent despite facing training challenges in the past. With a history of impressive performances, including a win at the Punchestown Festival and notable runs in the Galway Plate and Paddy Power Gold Cup, LETS GO CHAMP has transitioned smoothly to hunter chasing. His recent victories in point-to-points and the Tetratema Cup Hunters Chase have advertised his form, making him a compelling choice for this event. Blake attributes LETS GO CHAMP's appeal to his racing style, which is well-suited for the test presented by this race. As a strong-travelling, forward-goer at mid-range trips, he is adept at navigating the challenging fences. Furthermore, his jockey, Sophie Carter, has developed a strong understanding of the horse, having ridden him to victory in his last two outings. In the Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Chase, SANS BRUIT is poised to make a strong bid for his third consecutive win. Trained by Paul Nicholls, this horse has been the beneficiary of generous handicapping, which has enabled him to dominate the competition. After being dropped 9lb for four below-par runs, SANS BRUIT rebounded with back-to-back wins, including a convincing victory in this very race last year. The handicappers have once again been lenient, dropping him 11lb for five runs this season, making him a formidable contender. The final race of interest is the Goffs Nickel Coin Mares' National Hunt Flat Race, where LENNON GROVE, trained by Gavin Cromwell, is an attractive option. This five-year-old has amassed significant experience, having won a point-to-point and competed in four bumpers. Her third-place finish in a Listed mares' bumper at Sandown in March was particularly noteworthy, as she made notable late gains despite being held up in rear. With the potential for a more forward ride, LENNON GROVE may yet show further improvement, making her an intriguing choice at her current price.