Nick Luck’s William Hill Blog: Aintree Day One looks Kargese

William Hill ambassador Nick Luck casts his expert eye over Day One of the Aintree Grand National Festival.

COLONEL HARRY is a wild swipe at the opening contest at this year’s Grand National meeting at Aintree (1.45pm). While he was only sixth behind the big two in the Turners at the Festival, he was simply never put in the race, ridden to pick up pieces and flying up the hill. On normal ground, that scenario might likely be repeated, but this could be a real war in very deep conditions, with both principals prominent racers, Blow Your Wad likely to be messing it up for them as well, and Il Etait Temps far from a certain grinder at this trip. The selection is not a mile behind on ratings, is hugely tough, and just keeps galloping. He’s a huge price at 22/1, but it could be that kind of day.

KARGESE looks too big relative to Sir Gino on the Anniversary (2.20pm). She is not only a talented filly, but a tough one to boot, and her class and ability to travel probably forced a slightly premature commitment at Cheltenham. Still, she showed she could quicken quite smartly out of bad ground, and I’ll take her to use her tactical speed and make the best of the weight allowance from the two embryo chasers. 10/3.

SHISHKIN get a trepidatious nod in the William Hill Bowl (2.55pm). Strip out what you don’t know – stable form and which side he gets out of bed – and concentrate on what you do: he is an absolute monster at his best, didn’t have to run at Cheltenham, loves testing ground, stays well and is the highest rated horse in the race. In simple terms, he shouldn’t be a significantly bigger price than Gerri Colombe, so he must get an interest at these prices. 3/1.

BOB OLINGER can win the Aintree Hurdle (3.30pm) at 6/4. He’s looked right back to something like his best this season, and could have got a good bit closer to State Man in the Irish Champion if he was given the absolute maximum. He can reward that kindness and patience here over a trip that now looks ideal. Clearly Impaire Et Passe has all the talent in the world, but he hasn’t gone with quite the same zip this campaign, and the selection may be slightly better equipped to deal with conditions.

TIME LEADER looks rather under-appreciated for his exertions at Cheltenham at 13/2, and can go two better in the Foxhunters’ (4.05pm). He looked the winner everywhere until the last, and the balance of his form suggests this drop in trip will suit. Until last time, I’d have had slight misgivings about the ground, but they’ve been somewhat allayed, and I’m pleased to see him reunited with his regular rider.

SANS BRUIT might just be ready to do something in the Red Rum (4.40pm). Undoubtedly well treated on his old French form, the combination of aids, a return to fences and a left-handed track combined to see him travel smoothly and run really well at Chepstow. He’s already gone well for this rider, has no weight, and looks primed to strike at 10/1.

METKAYINA looks the obviously overpriced one in the mares’ bumper (5.15pm) at 22/1. There isn’t a whole lot wrong with her Ludlow win relative to some of the other form on offer here, and it’s significant that the sharp new ownership had the useful fourth that day. She has gone to a very good trainer of mares, who knows what is required in these races.