Aintree Saturday Jumps Preview

The first race of the day from Aintree is the Virgin Bet Novices Hurdle over 2 miles 1 furlong and in the Class 3 contest we like the look of the Colin Tizzard trained Harry Senior.

This five year old holds a superb form line entering this contest finishing second in a Class 3 at Exeter last time out with the first, fourth and fifth in that contest since bolting up.

That poses the leading some of the leading form heading into the contest and if seeing off the challenge from Edwardstone he should take this contest.

With some superb contests on the Aintree card the Listed Mares Chase looks to be one of them and Casablanca mix for Nicky Henderson.

This seven year old mare has won on both of her last two starts with her trainer opting to run her during the summer and coming back after a small break should see her go well fresh.

She won at Aintree in May before backing that up at Market Rasen in a Listed Handicap Chase which makes her a big player in a similar contest.

The Class 3 Handicap Chase over two and a half miles looks a tricky event to call but with Oliver Sherwood in smart form we like his horse Sammy Bell.

This six year old gelding was overly impressive on his seasonal bow at Kempton on his handicap and chase debut aswell which he will only improve from.

He beat some nice horses that and although up in the weights showed enough scope to be able to handle it.

The Class 2 Handicap Hurdle over two and a half miles sees plenty of familiar faces from seasons go by head to post and Notre Pari for Olly Murphy should give a bold bid.

The five year old gelding has only finished out of the top three once on his four starts in point to point and rules races showing a consistent nature.

He was a decent second last time out at Market Rasen in soft conditions behind a nice horse and should be in the mix heading into the race off bottom weight.

One of the big races of the day at Aintree over the Grand National fences sees the Grade Three Becher Handicap Chase over a staying distance.

With such a big field going to post we have two selections in the race and the first is the Nigel Twiston-Davies trained Ballyoptic.

This gelding failed in his hat-trick bid in the Grade One Betfair Chase after winning in a Class 2 Handicap Chase on his seasonal debut and then landing the Grade Two Charlie Hall Chase next time out.

This looks more realistic and has proven staying ability.

Our second selection at a bigger price is Mysteree for trainer Michael Scudamore who has been lightly raced over the last 10 months only racing twice which could play to his strengths with freshness a huge thing in these type of races.

He finished a narrow second on his final start of last season at Newcastle in the four mile Eider Handicap Chase and was then put away for the season.

He made his return at Kelso in October over 3 miles 2 furlongs and landed a nice Class 2 event which looks a perfect prep run for this event.

The feature race on the Aintree card is the Grade Two Many Clouds Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong and the superstar Native River makes his seasonal return.

Colin Tizzard's superstar although not winning on his three outings last season still ran to a credible standard placing in two of his three events.

He started his season off in the Betfair Chase finishing second to Bristol De Mai with a good first run of the season, he then headed to the king George where he stayed on from way off the pace to grab third with another solid run.

He headed the the Cheltenham festival for his final run of the season in his Gold Cup title defence and in a overly competitive renewal he finished a solid fourth.

Although now nine years of age he still holds plenty of ability and should outstay many of the field he is against having beat them in past seasons.

The final selection of the day is the Grand Sefton Handicap Chase over 2 miles 5 furlongs and the Henry Oliver trained Killaro Boy takes the eye at a big price.

This season he has been a model of consistency with a win on his seasonal debut at Warwick in the summer and then finishing second on his last two runs.

His latest run came at Aintree after a short break and he should be much fitter for that experience and is one to watch.