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 promising contenders. Following a successful stint at the Cheltenham Festival, Blake aims to replicate his success at Aintree. The inaugural race of the week, the Randox Foxhunters' Open Hunters' Chase, takes place on Thursday at 3:30, with LETS GO CHAMP, trained by Mags Mullins, emerging as a compelling contender. This 11-year-old has demonstrated considerable talent, despite being challenging to train, and has shown significant improvement since switching to hunter chasing. LETS GO CHAMP's impressive victories in point-to-points and the Tetratema Cup Hunters Chase at Gowran Park have propelled him to the forefront of Ireland's hunter chasers. His racing style, characterized by strong traveling and forward-going at mid-range trips, makes him well-suited for this contest. Moreover, his exceptional jumping technique and familiarity with rider Sophie Carter contribute to his appeal. The Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Chase, scheduled for 4:40, is expected to be highly competitive, but SANS BRUIT, trained by Paul Nicholls, has dominated the last two renewals. The BHA handicapping team has been remarkably generous in their assessment of SANS BRUIT, dropping his mark by 9lb after four subpar performances. This leniency has enabled the horse to regain his winning form, and he is poised to replicate his success in this year's Red Rum Handicap Chase. 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, stands out as a promising Irish-trained contender. With extensive 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 expected to benefit from a more forward ride and demonstrate further improvement.