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

The highly anticipated Grand National Festival commences at Aintree on Thursday, featuring four Grade One events. Renowned expert Kevin Blake shares his top selections for the day. After a prolonged winter, the rain has subsided, and Aintree has taken measures to maintain the desired soft track conditions, promising an exciting few days of racing. Following a successful stint at the Cheltenham Festival, Kevin Blake aims to replicate that success this week. The inaugural race of the week, the Randox Foxhunters' Open Hunters' Chase, takes place on Thursday, with LETS GO CHAMP, trained by Mags Mullins, being a notable contender. This 11-year-old has exhibited considerable talent despite being challenging to train, with a win in a valuable handicap chase at the Punchestown Festival two years ago being a highlight. Recently, LETS GO CHAMP has transitioned to hunter chasing and achieved victories in point-to-points, including the prestigious Tetratema Cup Hunters Chase. His racing style, characterized by strong traveling and forward-going at mid-range trips, makes him well-suited for this event. Moreover, his jumping technique is particularly well-suited 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. The Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Chase is another competitive event, with SANS BRUIT, trained by Paul Nicholls, seeking to win the race for the third consecutive year. Despite being a British-trained runner, SANS BRUIT has received remarkably generous treatment from the handicappers, with a 9lb drop in his rating following four below-par runs. This leniency has allowed SANS BRUIT to regain his competitive edge, and he is poised to perform well in this race. The final event 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. This five-year-old has accumulated significant experience, including a point-to-point win and four bumper races. Her third-place finish in a Listed mares' bumper at Sandown in March is particularly notable, as she made notable gains from the rear despite being held up. With the potential for a more forward ride, LENNON GROVE may exhibit further improvement and appears to be overpriced.