3 minute read

All roads lead to Aintree for the start of the Grand National Festival and it is a great start too.

The first race is the Devenish Manifesto Novices' Chase Gr. 1 with a field of 6 which leads one to think that it should be beween the favourites La Bague Au Roi 13/8 and Glen Forsa 7/2 who hopefully will not tip the jockey off as he did at his last outing.

The Doom Bar Anniversary 4yo Juvenile Hurdle is also Gr 1 and with 11 runners including a couple from Joseph O'Brien's yard which looks well placed - Band of Outlaws on 7/4 and Fakir D'oudairies on 9/2. In between those there is Pentland Hills on 9/4.

The Betway Bowl Chase Gr. 1 has 6 runners headed by Clan des Obeaux on 2/1 with Kemboy and Bristol de Mai not to be ignored on 9/4 and 3/1. This has the makings of being a top event.

The Aintree Hurdle Gr. 1 has 9 runners and this is another great contest - Buveur d'Air is on 10/11 with Melon 11/2, Faugheen is on a very generous 6/1 and we love Supersundae although the 9/1 shows that he is probably a couple of lengths behind the top 3.

The Close Bros. Red Rum Handicap Chase is Gr. 3 and has 18 runners and it is very open. Eamon An Croic is on 5/1, Brelan d'As 7/1 and a bit of a roughie but we like hime - Whatswrongwithyou on 12/1.