LOSSIEMOUTH (3.30, trb) has the credentials to thwart Constitution Hill in a fascinating clash for the Grade One William Hill Aintree Hurdle. The Willie Mullins-trained mare receives 7lb from her big rival on the Grand National meeting’s opening card in Merseyside.
On strict ratings and a previous encounter in Kempton’s Christmas Hurdle, that should not be enough to secure a gold medal. But second-placed Lossiemouth was not her usual smooth-travelling self there and only trailed Constitution Hill by two-and-a-half lengths.
Nicky Henderson trainee showed there was a fine line between brilliance and disaster when he clipped an obstacle and came down in the Champion Hurdle.
My selection surely would have figured without an alternative Cheltenham option against her fellow mares and extra yardage at 2m4f is firmly in her favour.
Grey Dawning is the one they all have to beat in the eight-runner Brooklands Golden Miller Chronograph Bowl Chase – his long-term aim.
However on the numbers this is tighter than bookies suggest – and 15-2 chance STAGE STAR (2.55) can spring a minor upset.
Critics will add weight to the claim he does not show his best at Aintree, but he was in need of the outing on his 2024-5 return and ran flat at last year’s event after a long season.
All ground comes alike to the nine-year-old who made classy chaser L’Homme Presse pull out all the stops at his best course and distance.
With the Cheltenham Festival and this three-day fixture quite close together this year, there is a doubt over whether Jango Baie can remain at his peak after a hard race in the Arkle.
He contests the opening EBC Group Manifesto Novices’ Chase, likely to be run at a good gallop thanks to Croke Park and a few others.
And that is ideal for improving each-way play THE KALOOKI KID (1.45), who idled when he got in front of 138-rated handicapper Saint Segal in the Scottish Champion Chase.
The seven-year-old has to improve but he has optimum conditions and there are worse 33-1 chances with William Hill this week.
Mambonumberfive, Murcia and Naturally Nimble are respected in the two-mile Boodles Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle.
However it is hard to get away from PUTURHANDSTOGETHER (2.20) after a six-length rout at Prestbury Park’s racing spectacular.
A decent flat horse, Joseph O’Brien’s charge only needed to be nudged out by jockey Mark Walsh and a similar effort should suffice.
O’Brien used to handle GRACCHUS DE BALME (4.05, NAP), now in the care of local trainer Joe O’Shea who took the 2021 Randox-sponsored Foxhunters with Cousin Pascal.
Lightly-raced for his age, the interesting piece of form is the nine-year-old’s second to My Drogo at Haydock, when he travelled best but paid for his earlier exertions late on.
A subsequent flop on testing terrain can be excused and his prominent racing style will ensure he keeps out of trouble in a big field.
Novice PRIMOZ (4.40) holds strong claims for Grand National-winning trainer Lucinda Russell in the Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Chase.
Aintree Festival day one tips
1.45 The Kalooki Kid
2.20 Puturhandstogether
2.55 Stage Star
3.30 Lossiemouth (treble)
4.05 Gracchus De Balme (Nap)
4.40 Primoz
5.15 Strong Run (nb)
