Nick Luck’s William Hill blog: Grand National Festival Day One Tips

William Hill ambassador Nick Luck previews day one of the Grand National Festival from Aintree, taking on Constitution Hill and Lossiemouth in Thursday’s William Hill Aintree Hurdle.

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Thursday, Aintree

GIDLEIGH PARK is the pick in a humdinger of a curtain raiser to the Grand National Festival (1.45). Although he has had a troubled season with his fibrillating heart, he looked the real deal when despatching Caldwell Potter at Windsor, and this trip on a flat track looks bang-on for him. Impaire Et Passe hasn’t really convinced with his jumping over fences, while Jango Baie must be a candidate to recoil off his huge effort in the Arkle.

MAMBONUMBERFIVE might be a shade of value in the Anniversary Hurdle (2.20). He’s weak in the market, and is admittedly a big unit with a future over fences, but I’m convinced he’s well above average. He did everything wrong at Kempton, yet still beat a 130-rated useful rival with any amount in hand, and this track will suit better.

GREY DAWNING doesn’t have anything in hand of his field in the Bowl (2.55), but he’s had the perfect preparation, and is likely still open to a nice chunk of improvement. He’s a strong traveller, who should enjoy a sit in behind a likely fiercely contested pace, and ought to be coming to the boil at just the right time with ground to suit.

WODHOOH is a chance at the prices in the Aintree Hurdle (3.30). I’d love to see Constitution Hill win, but it’s tough to recommend the odds-on after his fall at the Festival, and – while Lossiemouth has everything lined up for a big run – there’s a chance that the selection is nearly as talented judged on her romp in the Martin Pipe. She looks to be progressing faster than we can get a handle on, and she’s not had anything like a tough season.

GRACCHUS DE BALME is recommended each way in the Foxhunters’ (4.05). His slightly patchy form figures don’t really inspire, but he sunk in the mud last time, prior to which he should probably have won My Drogo’s race at Haydock (got racing too early). He’s a strong traveller who prefers better ground, and comes from a stable with an excellent record in this race.

GALUNGGUNG has been overlooked in the Red Rum (4.40). Most of these are very well known to us, but this one could easily have a bit in hand judged on his cosy win at Carlisle. Admittedly this is his first try in deeper waters, but he travels with zest and is the sort of pacy lightweight who could get into a front-running rhythm here under Brian Hughes.

CHARISMA CAT is unlucky not to be undefeated and she can take her record to 4-5 in the mares’ bumper (5.15). Not only does she have some of the best form, she has also produced some of the best speed figures, and can take another step forward on a spring surface, as befits her classy pedigree.