DECENT ground means one thing at Aintree – it’s time to go ‘Hendo’ crazy as Grand National week in the Sun kicks off with some Grade 1 belters.
Nicky Henderson throws two of his big guns at the meeting on ITV on Thursday afternoon, with crack novice Lulamba joined by Gold Cup runner-up JANGO BAIE.
Two of Nicky Henderson’s biggest guns didn’t quite fire at Cheltenham but they have been found ideal races on day one of the Grand National FestivalCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
The latter faces just four rivals – although they include the useful Impaire Et Passe, Cheltenham absentee Spillane’s Tower as well as old boy Protektorat – in the Grade 1 Racing Welfare Bowl Chase (2.55) over 3m1f.
To be honest, Jango Baie really should win well for owner Tony Barney and jockey Nico de Boinville.
The former Arkle winner has progressed well this season and was a fine second to Gaelic Warrior in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
This track and trip will probably be his ideal, and he has fair form here, having won a Grade 1 as a novice hurdler, finished second in a handicap hurdle and third last year in the Manifesto after which he had a wind operation.
He will be very hard to beat.
Speaking of the Manifesto (2.20), that’s where LULAMBA goes.
He tried to emulate Jango Baie in the Arkle but was only third behind Kargese and I don’t think he was at his best.
This 2m4f trip is going to really suit him and for me he’s much the best, having previously looked special in the Game Spirit against more experienced types.
The meeting kicks off with the Grade 1 Boodles Anniversary 4-y-o Juvenile Hurdle (1.45) over 2m1f. Quite open this.
The Triumph Hurdle form is bang in the mix here with all the placed horses back in action.
The joker in the pack might be MANGE TOUT, who will be fresh having missed Cheltenham.
The filly was third – a place behind Selma De Vary – when last seen at Leopardstown but that was in heavy ground and I suspect she just got a bit bogged down.
She was a bit fresh that day as well, which hopefully won’t happen after the break this time, but she’s bang in the mix and overpriced.
Jack Kennedy rides for Gordon Elliott. Have a few quid each-way.
The Grand National fences loom large in the Randox Foxhunters’ Open Hunters Chase (3.30) over 2m5f.
MUSIC DRIVE has no experience of these obstacles but he ran a belter at Cheltenham when third to the reopposing Barton Snow and his long odds make him an each-way play against the hot favourite.
Ellie Callwood should get a great spin for Kelly Morgan.
In the Grade 1 Aintree Hurdle (4.05) over 2m4f, I like the look of POTTERS CHARM.
A former crack novice and Grade 1 winner at this track, Potters Charm rather lost his way in 2025 after wind surgery.
However, he’s been right back to form this term with decent victories at Windsor and Fontwell.
He has only 6lb to find with the best of these.
The Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Chase (4.40) over 2m can go to last year’s (and 2024) winner SANS BRUIT who surely has been laid out for a repeat victory by Paul Nicholls.
Harry Cobden can take the ride on a horse who went up from 130 to 139 after his success 12 months ago, and after that ended up on 144 after a victory at Plumpton.
However, he’s down to 133 now and could be thrown in.
Finally in the Grade 2 bumper (5.15) over 2m1f I’m hoping TI’MAMZEL can get in the mix for Gary and Josh Moore and Caoilin Quinn.
Good luck!
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