Expert Picks for Aintree Day One: 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 LETS GO CHAMP, SANS BRUIT, and LENNON GROVE. Following a successful outing at the Cheltenham Festival, Blake aims to replicate his success at Aintree. The first notable race is the Randox Foxhunters' Open Hunters' Chase, where LETS GO CHAMP, trained by Mags Mullins, is a compelling contender. This 11-year-old has demonstrated immense talent despite a challenging training history, with notable victories at the Punchestown Festival and impressive performances in the Galway Plate and Paddy Power Gold Cup. His recent wins in point-to-points and the Tetratema Cup Hunters Chase have further solidified his position among Ireland's top hunter chasers. Blake attributes LETS GO CHAMP's appeal to his strong-traveling style and proficiency in jumping, making him well-suited for this event. The Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Chase features SANS BRUIT, trained by Paul Nicholls, who has dominated this race in the past two years. Despite being dropped 9lb by the handicappers after four subpar runs, SANS BRUIT returned to form, winning the race again and subsequently performing well at Plumpton. The handicappers have once again been generous, dropping him 11lb for this season's performances. This treatment has raised questions about the fairness of the handicapping system, with Blake suggesting that SANS BRUIT's favorable treatment is unparalleled. The final race of interest is the Goffs Nickel Coin Mares' National Hunt Flat Race, where LENNON GROVE, trained by Gavin Cromwell, is a promising contender. This five-year-old has accumulated valuable experience, winning a point-to-point and participating in four bumpers, including a notable third-place finish in a Listed mares' bumper at Sandown. Blake anticipates that LENNON GROVE will be given a more forward ride, potentially leading to further improvement, and considers her to be overpriced.