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

The Grand National Festival commences at Aintree on Thursday, featuring four Grade One events, and renowned expert Kevin Blake shares his top picks for the day. Following a successful Cheltenham Festival, Blake aims to replicate his success this week. The first race of the week over the Grand National fences is the Randox Foxhunters' Open Hunters' Chase, where LETS GO CHAMP, trained by Mags Mullins, is a notable contender. This 11-year-old has demonstrated significant talent despite being challenging to train, with a win in a valuable handicap chase at the Punchestown Festival two years ago and impressive performances in the Galway Plate and Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham. After switching to Mags Mullins this season, LETS GO CHAMP has excelled in point-to-points, beating Stuzzikini and Journey With Me, and later defeating 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, he is a skilled jumper with the right technique for these fences. Blake also fancies SANS BRUIT in the Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Chase, who has won the last two renewals. The BHA handicapping team has been generous with SANS BRUIT, dropping him 9lb for four below-par runs and then another 11lb for five runs this season. This treatment has raised questions about the handicapping process. Lastly, Blake likes LENNON GROVE, trained by Gavin Cromwell, in the Goffs Nickel Coin Mares' National Hunt Flat Race. This five-year-old has gained significant experience, winning a point-to-point and racing four times in bumpers, including a third-place finish in a Listed mares' bumper at Sandown. She may be given a more forward ride, and her current price seems attractive.