Aintree Day One Predictions: Kevin Blake's Top Picks at 12/1, 11/1, and 3/1

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, aiming to replicate the success achieved during the Cheltenham Festival. The first 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, with a notable win in a valuable handicap chase at the Punchestown Festival two years ago. He has since switched to hunter chasing and has shown impressive form in point-to-points, beating Stuzzikini and Journey With Me, and lowering the colors of Hunters Yarn in the prestigious Tetratema Cup Hunters Chase. His style of racing, characterized by strong traveling and forward-going at mid-range trips, makes him well-suited for this test. Additionally, his jumping technique is well-suited for these fences, and his rider, Sophie Carter, has a good understanding of him. LETS GO CHAMP appears to be overpriced in this contest. The Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Chase at 4:40 is another highly competitive race, but SANS BRUIT, trained by Paul Nicholls, has made it look easy in winning the last two renewals. The BHA handicapping team has been extremely generous in their treatment of this horse, dropping him 9lb for four below-par runs and then another 11lb for five runs this season. This generosity has allowed Sans Bruit to return to this race off the same mark as last year, and he is likely to be a strong contender. 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, catches the eye. This five-year-old has gained valuable experience, winning a point-to-point and racing four times in bumpers, including a third-place finish in a Listed mares' bumper at Sandown in March. She is likely to be given a more forward ride, and it would not be surprising to see her show improvement. LENNON GROVE appears to be overpriced in this contest.