Online bookmaker Paddy Power are our number one choice for your Grand National bets.
The opening day of the Grand National Meeting on the Thursday is a great introduction to the festival that lies ahead. It is relatively relaxed compared to whats about to come you could say its "the calm before the storm" which allows racegoers to sample the atmosphere of Aintree at their own pace. However, Thursday is a fantastic day in its own right andis becoming increasingly popular with racegoers in Liverpool. There is an array of top-class racing, including the Betfred Bowl Chase, coupled with exciting entertainment throughout each enclosure.
| Time | Race | |
|---|---|---|
| 2:00 | Matalan Anniversary 4-Y-O Novices' Hurdle | Grade 1 |
| 2:30 | Betfred Bowl | Grade 1 |
| 3:05 | Aintree Hurdle | Grade 1 |
| 3:40 | John Smith's Fox Hunters Chase | Class 1 |
| 4:15 | matalan.co.uk Red Rum Chase | Grade 3 |
| 4:50 | Betfred Manifesto Novices' Chase | Grade 2 |
| 5:25 | Silver Cross Handicap Hurdle | Listed |
This is always a race to video and play back as it brings to the fore the Novice hurdlers who are just below the top grade and will more than likely be sent chasing the next season. It maybe a good idea to consider an anti post Arkle bet for the following Cheltenham festival on the winner of this race at very large odds.
Matalan Anniversary 4YO Novices Hurdle Odds
This grade 2 race is for those chasers who are just below the top class chasing stayers. It also tends to attract chasers who performed well at the two and a half mile distance at the Cheltenham festival as the three miles around Aintree will be much less a test of stamina than the equivalent at the Cheltenham Festival.
Generally the winner of the Cheltenham Festival Champion Hurdle returns to try and double up and take the Aintree Grand National Meeting equivalent. When considering an Aintree Grand National Betting opportunity it is important to take account of the Aintree racecourse which is much easier and flatter than Cheltenham.
The best of the Hunter Chasers turn out to lay down their claim for Hunter Chaser of the year. As is usual for this race it tends to be run at a furious pace and it is important to select a horse that travels and jumps very well.
John Smiths Fox Hunters Chase Odds
This is a grade three handicap and opens the way to some of the lesser lights to have their day of glory. Once again Aintree Racecourse ensures a very fast pace over a two mile trip but make sure your selection has the pace to lay up with the leading players.
This race is usually a very competitive handicap with a very big field to get stuck into. In this grade anything can win and it is advisable not to be taking to short a price about your selection. Always look down the bottom of the handicap as there are usually a couple of horses which have bypassed the Cheltenham Festival and have being laid out for the race.
Latest Manifesto Novices Hurdle Odds
This is always a very interesting race with some horses stepping up in distance and others stepping down in trip. This race is also one to watch carefully as it tends to highlight some of the best stayers for the following season.
