Aintree Day One Expert Tips: 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 intriguing contenders in the Randox Foxhunters' Open Hunters' Chase, the Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Chase, and the Goffs Nickel Coin Mares' National Hunt Flat Race. Following a prolonged winter, the Grand National Festival has finally arrived, bringing with it the promise of exhilarating action. With the taps turned on and Aintree taking measures to maintain the desired soft track conditions, the stage is set for an unforgettable experience. Building on the success of the Cheltenham Festival, Kevin Blake aims to replicate that triumph this week. The inaugural race of the week, featuring the iconic Grand National fences, is the Randox Foxhunters' Open Hunters' Chase, scheduled for Thursday at 3:30. LETS GO CHAMP, trained by Mags Mullins, emerges as a compelling contender. Despite facing challenges in training, this 11-year-old has consistently showcased his talent, underscored by his victory in a valuable handicap chase at the Punchestown Festival two years ago. He has also demonstrated his prowess in notable events such as the Galway Plate and the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham. After switching to Mags Mullins this season, LETS GO CHAMP made a remarkable debut in point-to-points, defeating Stuzzikini and Journey With Me. He subsequently lowered the colors of Hunters Yarn in the prestigious Tetratema Cup Hunters Chase at Gowran Park in March. The impressive form exhibited in these races positions LETS GO CHAMP among the top hunter chasers in Ireland. What renders LETS GO CHAMP particularly appealing in this contest is his distinctive racing style. As a strong-traveling, forward-goer at mid-range trips, he is well-equipped to tackle the challenges presented by this race. Additionally, his exceptional jumping technique and the familiarity of his rider, Sophie Carter, who has ridden him to victory in his last two wins, contribute to his appeal. With his current odds, he appears to be an attractive prospect. The Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Chase, scheduled for 4:40, is a highly competitive event on paper. However, SANS BRUIT, trained by Paul Nicholls, has dominated this race, winning 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 this race for the first time off a mark of 130 in 2024, SANS BRUIT went on to perform credibly off a higher mark. However, the handicappers were unusually generous in dropping him 9lb for four below-par runs. This aggressive reduction in his rating enabled Paul Nicholls to bring SANS BRUIT back to this race off the same mark that had previously yielded a resounding victory. He duly delivered, winning the race once again and subsequently dotting up off a 9lb higher mark at Plumpton. This generous treatment by the handicappers is in stark contrast to the approach typically adopted in Ireland, where such leniency would likely result in a significant price to pay. However, in Britain, the BHA handicapping team has once again demonstrated their willingness to cooperate, dropping SANS BRUIT 11lb for five runs this season that were not particularly disappointing. With SANS BRUIT being worked towards this race, the handicappers have been more than accommodating, raising questions about the fairness of this treatment. The final race of interest on the day is the Goffs Nickel Coin Mares' National Hunt Flat Race, scheduled for 5:15. LENNON GROVE, trained by Gavin Cromwell, emerges as a promising Irish-trained contender. This five-year-old has accumulated significant experience, having won a point-to-point and competed in four bumpers. Her victory at Thurles in December and her third-place finish in a Listed mares' bumper at Sandown in March are particularly noteworthy. In the Sandown race, LENNON GROVE was held up in rear but made notable late gains up the near side, which may have been the favored route. With black type now secured, it is likely that she will be given a more forward ride, potentially unlocking further improvement. Her current odds make her an attractive prospect.