Aintree Day 3 Tips – Best Bets On Saturday At The Grand National Meeting

Declarations are in for the third and final day of the 2025 Grand National meeting and our writer is here to look through every race – including the Grand National itself – on Day 3 at Aintree.

13:20  William Hill Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) 

Seven pound claimer Lewis Saunders has been Olly Murphy’s go to man this season when he’s wanted to take a few pounds off one of his runners, and Saunders has had the call to ride ACT OF AUTHORITY today. 

Murphy has had yet another fruitful season with his Diana Whateley-owned runners, and Act Of Authority was last seen running a screamer in the Martin Pipe at the Festival. The seven-year-old is an each-way play all day long in our horse racing odds. 

Of the others, Kamsinas has always enjoyed it around Aintree, while Jeriko De Reponet was a gallant runner-up in the Pertemps final. 

13:55  Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) 

Olly Murphy’s FINGLE BRIDGE has gone from strength to strength this season, and after landing the spoils in a 2m½f Listed affair at Exeter last time, it’s only logical that he is stepping up to a Grade 1 and 2m4f at Aintree. 

The McNeill family are no strangers to a winner or two on Merseyside and the current  top jockey in the UK will ride their horse. 

Castle Carrock and Good And Clever can join him on the podium. 

14:30  Freebooter Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) 

Great Yorkshire Chase winner DOCPICKEDME travels well with a high cruising speed in these staying races, and is the ideal candidate to take the Freebooter. 

The ground was on the quick side at Doncaster, so the going shouldn’t be an issue, and he looks sure to be in the van all the way. 

Veteran Happygolucky looks a real danger after his recent Ultima efforts. 

15:05  Liverpool Hurdle (Grade 1) 

With her mares’ allowance, the Jessica Harrington-trained JETARA is a very interesting contender in the Liverpool Hurdle. 

The seven-year-old put up a fine performance behind Lossiemouth at Cheltenham and can finish in the frame once more. 

Gwennie May Boy is interesting 12 months on from his course and distance victory here. He could well be the fly in the ointment. 

Teahupoo, Home By The Lee and The Wallpark are the best of the rest. 

16:00  Grand National (Premier Handicap) 

Our William Hill Racing Ambassador Gavin Cromwell trains the popular grey VANILLIER and believes the ten-year-old is in with a great chance. 

His last two runs have showed that Vanillier retains plenty of ability is capable of putting in a repeat performance. 

Others for the shortlist include Iroko, who has been quietly campaigned this term and should peak in this his target race, plus Intense Raffles who has been campaigned with this race in mind since he took the Irish version last year. 

17:00  Maghull Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) 

Paul Nicholl’s KALIF DU BERLAIS can take top honours in a small, but select, renewal of the G1 Maghull Novices’ Chase.   

Third last year at Aintree to Sir Gino in the 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle, the now five-year-old has picked up a couple of small field Novices’ Chase victories, and can bounce back from a poor showing in the Scilly Isles Chase. 

L’Eau De Sud can take the runner-up spot. 

17:35  Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (Grade 2) 

MOSSY FEN ROAD can take the concluding National Hunt Bumper for the Harry Derham stable. 

From the penultimate crop of the top sire Flemensfirth, the five-year-old gelding is a half-brother to Fury Road who was successful in the Grade 1 Neville Hotels Novice Chase at the Leopardstown for Gordon Elliott and Gigginstown.  

A comprehensive scorer at Wetherby, he can progress once more in this Grade 2 affair. 

Green Splendour, Koktail Brut and Blofeld are ones to keep an eye on also. 

*Check out our latest Grand National odds here*