Brian’s Top Picks for Grand National Day

Grand National Day!

Saturday 10^th April – Aintree

2:25 Minella Drama – Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1)

He’s a grand horse but would want a bit more ease in the ground. He has improved with every run this year, won 3 including the listed race which was rerouted to Market Rasen and just got beat in a Grade 2. The trip should be fine and he’s an improving sort of horse so we’re hopeful for a big run.

3.00pm Shiskin – Doom Bar Maghull Novices’ Chase (Grade 1)

Sit back and watch Shishkin! He’s the best 2m Novice chaser we’ve seen this year.

3.35pm Thyme Hill – Ryanair Stayers Hurdle (Grade 1)

This is a great race. I think it will be between Thyme Hill, who missed Cheltenham, and Paisley Park – they are the stand-out horses. I have a slight preference for Thyme Hill as he might be that bit fresher having not been to Cheltenham but there’s not much between them as we saw at Ascot.

4:15 Snow Leopardess – Handicap Chase (Grade 3)

She’s done nothing wrong all year – again, she’d want a bit of rain. Got Happygolucky in there who finished 2^nd in the Ultima but this mare finished 4^th in the 3m6f National Hunt Challenge Cup at Cheltenham and she’s not run a bad race all year. She has a nice weight so you’d be hopeful for a big run.

5:15 Lake View Lad – Grand National

I ride Lake View Lad but I think Trevor’s other horse, Cloth Cap has a massive chance. I also like the chances of Takingrisks – he’s a Scottish National winner, he jumps and stays, should love the ground and has had a nice preparation for this.

6:20 Fruit N Nut – Weatherbys Standard Open

He’s done nothing wrong, was 2^nd in a point to point and has won his two bumpers. This is going to be a lot harder and his price probably reflects that, but he’s a grand horse and deserves to take his chance. Obviously, you’ve got some nice-looking horses in there – Nicky Henderson’s Balco Coastal was visually very impressive in an AW bumper but I was very impressed with Olly Murphy’s Go Dante and I know Aidan thinks a lot of him. I’ve won on Parramount – he’s a horse I like a lot and is younger half-brother to Snow Leopardess. There are plenty of winners in the race and I think it will be a great race to watch.

Brian’s Saturday Picks:

*All odds correct at time of writing