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

The highly anticipated Grand National Festival kicks off 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. The Grand National Festival promises to be an exhilarating experience, with Aintree taking measures to maintain optimal track conditions. Following a successful Cheltenham Festival, Kevin Blake aims to replicate his success this week. The first race of the week, the Randox Foxhunters' Open Hunters' Chase, features the intriguing LETS GO CHAMP, trained by Mags Mullins. This 11-year-old has demonstrated considerable talent, despite facing training challenges in the past. His impressive wins in point-to-points and his ability to perform well in high-profile events make him an appealing contender. LETS GO CHAMP's racing style, characterized by strong traveling and forward-going, makes him well-suited for this test. His partnership with rider Sophie Carter, who has ridden him to victory in his last two wins, is also a notable advantage. Kevin Blake believes LETS GO CHAMP is overpriced in this contest. The Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Chase is another highly competitive event, with SANS BRUIT, trained by Paul Nicholls, seeking to make it three consecutive wins. The BHA handicapping team has been unusually generous with SANS BRUIT, dropping his mark by 9lb after four below-par runs. This leniency has allowed SANS BRUIT to regain his competitive edge, and Kevin Blake expects him to perform well in this race. The final race of interest is the Goffs Nickel Coin Mares' National Hunt Flat Race, where LENNON GROVE, trained by Gavin Cromwell, catches the eye. This five-year-old has accumulated valuable experience, including a point-to-point win and four bumper races. Her third-place finish in a Listed mares' bumper at Sandown demonstrates her potential, and Kevin Blake anticipates that she will be given a more forward ride, potentially leading to further improvement. He considers LENNON GROVE to be overpriced in this contest.