Aintree Day 1 Tips – Best Bets On Thursday At The Grand National Meeting

Declarations are in for the opening day of the 2025 Grand National meeting and our writer is here to look through every race on Day 1 at Aintree.

13:45 – Manifesto Novices Chase (Grade 1) 

A competitive race and one that could be dominated by the Irish. There are a few horses in the field that skipped the 2025 Cheltenham Festival and fresher runners often do well at this meeting.

Gidleigh Park is fragile but there’s no doubting his talent and he is one to consider on his return after a minor setback. However, I like CROKE PARK for the Gordon Elliott team – he is a dual Grade 1 winner and was second at the Dublin Racing Festival last time out, finishing way ahead of the re-opposing Impaire Et Passe.

14:20 – Boodles Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 1)

Live Conti is an intriguing runner as he certainly fits into the ‘could be anything’ bracket but his French form took a knock in the Triumph Hurdle and it may be wise to look elsewhere in this particular race.

Lulamba was a surprising omission in this race – much to the dismay of horse racing betting punters – and it may prove prudent to side with the Fred Winter winner PUTURHANDSTOGETHER. He had plenty in hand when winning at the Cheltenham Festival and he could be up to Grade 1 standard.

14:55 – Brooklands Golden Miller Chronograph Bowl Chase (Grade 1) 

GREY DAWNING (NAP) is the one to beat for me and I’m expecting the Dan Skelton grey to secure another Grade 1 success. He put in a monstrous peformance when beating Iroko at Kelso at the start of March and he can follow up here.

Ahoy Senor loves it round here but he is coming to the race off the back of a fall in the Cheltenham Gold Cup and that’s hardly an ideal preparation for a Grade 1. If he brings his A-Game, Gaelic Warrior would stand a chance but he’s very hot and cold.

15:30 – William Hill Aintree Hurdle (Grade 1) 

All eyes will be on Constitution Hill as he steps up in trip for the second time, having won this race two years ago. He is a worthy favourite on ratings but I’m happy to take him on with LOSSIEMOUTH for the all-conquering Willie Mullins team.

Nicky Henderson’s mount was superior to the mare over two miles at Kempton earlier in the campaign but connections clearly fancy their chances as they’re bringing her over to have another crack – this time over the intermediate trip.

16:05 – Randox Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Chase

I don’t have a hugely strong opinion on this race but MY DROGO is arguably the class act in the field and I’m happy to side with him – particularly after skipping the Cheltenham Festival to head to Aintree and the Grand National betting meeting as a fresh horse.

Willitgoahead ran a lovely race at the Festival and he can go well for Gordon Elliott but I’m happy to stick with My Drogo. Will Biddick takes the ride.

16:40 – Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap)

I was really taken with SANS BRUIT in this race last year and I’d imagine a return to try and win back-to-back Red Rum Chases has been high on the agenda for him. He has Harry Cobden in the saddle this year and runs off the same mark as when victorious 12 months ago.

Gunsight Ridge is a consistent runner and you can be sure that he’ll run his race but he often finds one or two that are better handicapped. He’s hard to trust but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him run a big race.

17:15 – Goffs Nickel Coin Mares’ Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (Grade 2)

JACKIE HOBBS is a hugely talented mare and I’d like to see her run a big race for the Noel Fehily Racing Syndicate. She’s done nothing wrong in two starts under rules and goes there with a live chance, though she’d probably prefer some cut in the ground.

Strong Run is the choice of Jonathan Burke and her form ties in with antepost favourite Seo Linn. It wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see these two mares in the shake up at the finish.