Aintree Day 2 Tips – Best Bets On Ladies Day At The Grand National Meeting

Declarations are in for the second day of the 2025 Grand National meeting and our writer is here to look through every race on Day 2 – otherwise known as Ladies Day – at Aintree.

13:45 Mildmay Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) 

This year’s 3m1f Mildmay Novices’ Chase originally attracted an impressive cohort of Cheltenham Festival scorers, which had the potential to turn it into one of the best races of the week, but connections have decided to avoid each other somewhat. 

Caldwell Potter may have scooped the Golden Miller, but it may well be the fresher legs of HANDSTANDS that puts him to the sword around the Mildmay course. 

The six-year-old narrowly beat subsequent Arkle winner Jango Baie in the Scilly Isles at Sandown in early February, which bodes well for his chances here. 

14:20 William Hill Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) 

Each-way punters will be in their element with the open nature of this 2m4f handicap and there is plenty of value in the betting market. 

Sam Thomas’ Steel Ally has been running well all season and is trading at a generous 20/1, while Off The Jury is proving popular in our horse racing betting after his near miss at Sandown last month. 

The selection however is Nicky Henderson’s IMPOSE TOI who will be bidding to follow up on his excellent effort in the Coral Cup at the Festival. 

14:55  Top Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) 

In what could turn out to be a red letter day for Ben Pauling, his DIVA LUNA is taken to land the spoils in this Grade 1 hurdle. 

The mare put up a bold show in the Dawn Run at The Festival and can run up to that level again. 

Chief dangers include Tripoli Flyer and Romeo Coolio. 

15:30 Melling Chase (Grade 1) 

JONBON can get back to winning ways after his traditional annual Festival flop. 

Nicky Henderson’s charge won this race last year and can do so again at the expense of Harry Skelton’s Protektorat who can take the runner-up spot. 

16:05  Topham Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) 

Last year, JAMES DU BERLAIS appeared to have the Topham wrapped up coming around the Elbow, but he was reeled in late by Arizona Cardinal. The nine-year-old is one of the classier chasers in the field and can make amends. 

Place players won’t go far wrong with strong competitors such as The Goffer, Amirite and Bad. 

16:40  Sefton Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) 

Moon Rocket and Battle Born Lad take each other on once more after their great tussle at Haydock in February, but it is the Hemmings family colours that catch the eye aboard MISTER MEGGIT in this 3m½f hurdle. 

The seven-year-old comfortably won a novice hurdle here in November and can seamlessly progress up to Grade 1 level. 

17:15  Hallgarten and Novum Wines Handicap Hurdle 

The conditionals and amateurs have their moment in the sun in the Friday finale, and jockey Dylan Johnston can get another tune out of CELTIC DINO for his Welsh connections. 

After a decent effort in the Dovecote Novices’ Hurdle, the Sam Thomas-trained six-year-old can make a nice introduction into handicap hurdling today. 

Dangers on paper include Afadil (Paul Nicholls) and Country Park (Jonjo O’Neill), both of whom have been knocking on the door all season. 

*Check out our latest Grand National odds here*