Who To Follow On Day One Of The Aintree Grand National Festival

Paul Nicholls had a good Cheltenham festival and he will be looking to do the same at Aintree and on the first day of the Grand National meeting he has some smart chances.

In the opening event of the afternoon Stage Star is the favourite in the Manifesto Novices' Chase with the seven year old landing the Grade One Turners Novices' Chase last time out.

Nicholls then runs Gold Cup second Bravemansgame in the Aintree Bowl with the Grade One winner having the least to prove in the field.

The 13 time champion trainer finishes off the afternoon with the very exciting mare Seeyouinmydreams in the Grade Two bumper with this five year old having the potential to be anything.

Nicholls heads into the three day meeting in sparkling form currently running at a strike rate of 32% for the last two weeks, managing to land seven winners from 22 runners.

The poster girl for racing, exceptional rider Rachael Blackmore heads back to Aintree which has been a happy hunting ground for her in the past and on Thursday has some nice chances.

Blackmore's first big ride of the afternoon comes in the Aintree Bowl on 2022 Gold Cup winner A Plus Tard who was unlucky on his return at Cheltenham last time out and getting a clearer run he could go close.

The riders next mount comes on Dancing On My Own in the Grade Three Red Rum Handicap Chase and having finished second in the event last term he could go well from the front again.

Finally, Blackmore rides in the Grade Two Mares bumper for new recruit to the Henry De Bromhead yard July Flower who should love the soft conditions.