Expert Picks for Aintree Day One: Kevin Blake's Top 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 a trio of compelling contenders. Following a successful stint at the Cheltenham Festival, Blake aims to replicate his success at Aintree. The festival kicks off with the Randox Foxhunters' Open Hunters' Chase, where LETS GO CHAMP, trained by Mags Mullins, catches the eye. This 11-year-old has demonstrated substantial talent despite being challenging to train, with a notable win in a valuable handicap chase at the Punchestown Festival. After switching to hunter chasing this season, LETS GO CHAMP has shown impressive form, beating Stuzzikini and Journey With Me in an open at Oldtown and lowering the colors of Hunters Yarn in the Tetratema Cup Hunters Chase at Gowran Park. His style of racing, characterized by strong traveling and forward-going at mid-range trips, makes him an appealing choice for this contest. Additionally, his jumping technique is well-suited for the Grand National fences. In the Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Chase, SANS BRUIT, trained by Paul Nicholls, is a strong contender. Having won this race for the past two years, SANS BRUIT has been treated generously by the handicappers, with a 9lb drop in his rating after four below-par runs. This leniency has allowed him to regain his winning form, and he is poised to make it a hat-trick in this event. The BHA handicapping team's decision to drop SANS BRUIT 11lb for five runs this season has raised eyebrows, and it will be interesting to see how this unfolds. Lastly, in the Goffs Nickel Coin Mares' National Hunt Flat Race, LENNON GROVE, trained by Gavin Cromwell, is an intriguing selection. This five-year-old has amassed considerable experience, winning a point-to-point and competing in four bumpers. Her third-place finish in a Listed mares' bumper at Sandown, where she made notable late gains, suggests that she may be underestimated. With the potential for a more forward ride, LENNON GROVE could show significant improvement and is considered overpriced.