A tough day one at Aintree, but plenty of time to recoup losses...

13.45 – Handicap Hurdle

Outside of the races over the National fences, this handicap hurdle is probably the most wide open of the week.

Historically it has lived up to that, with winners at double-figure prices in eight of the last nine seasons. Six-year-olds have the best record, with five wins this decade. Horses weighing over 11st 4lb have only won this race once in that period.

Nicky Henderson’s stable have won three of the last five renewals, so we cannot discount Jenkins  even though he has plenty of weight.

MASSINI'S TRAP  won over this course and distance back in October 2016 – by five lengths and eased down.

He has failed to win in his eight races since then, but was placed at Aintree – again over course and distance back in October of last year.

He’s been defeated over in Ireland twice since, albeit highly tried. This could be just what he needs to spark back to life.

14.50 – Novices’ Chase

SNOW FALCON  has been the subject of positive reports from Noel Meade’s yard. He has good Aintree form over hurdles, but failed to compete when taking on the bigger obstacles in the Irish National – an unusual route for a horse with only four chase starts at the time.

He obviously had no ill-effects from that day and a chance can be taken on him at around a double-figure price in this Grade 1, sponsored by Betway.

15.25 – Melling Chase

MIN  should win this race, according to some good judges who recall when Balko Des Flos was also in the same yard and wasn’t even allowed in the same 'class' to work with him.

Min’s second in the Betway Champion Chase should stand him in good stead and he is a confident, albeit short price, selection to win.

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