Expert Tips for Aintree Day One: 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 prestigious Grade One events. Renowned expert Kevin Blake shares his top selections for the day, including LETS GO CHAMP, SANS BRUIT, and LENNON GROVE. Following a successful stint at the Cheltenham Festival, Kevin aims to replicate his winning form at Aintree. The first key 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 considerable talent despite a challenging training history. He has shown significant improvement, notably winning a valuable handicap chase at the Punchestown Festival and performing well in the Galway Plate and Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham. LETS GO CHAMP's style of racing, characterized by strong traveling and forward-going at mid-range trips, makes him well-suited for this event. He is also an adept jumper with the right technique for these fences. Sophie Carter, who has ridden him to victory in his last two races, will be in the saddle again. Kevin believes LETS GO CHAMP is overpriced in this contest. The Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Chase is another competitive event, with SANS BRUIT, trained by Paul Nicholls, seeking to win the race for the third consecutive year. SANS BRUIT has been treated generously by the handicappers, receiving a 9lb drop in his rating after four below-par runs. This leniency has allowed him to return to the same mark that enabled him to win the race previously. Kevin suggests that SANS BRUIT's treatment would have been different if he were trained in Ireland, where handicappers tend to be less forgiving. 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 gained valuable experience, winning a point-to-point and competing in four bumpers, including a Listed mares' bumper at Sandown. Her third-place finish in the latter event was notable, as she made good late gains from a rear position. Kevin expects LENNON GROVE to be given a more forward ride in this event and potentially show further improvement, making her an attractive choice at her current price.