The 2025 Grand National Festival is nearly here, a mere three weeks on from Cheltenham as the best National Hunt horses meet at Aintree for three days of top-class action.
Even though the Grand National is the biggest spectacle, there is lots of superb horse racing with Grade 1s aplenty. Our in-depth guide gives readers the best horse racing betting tips, as well as the best bets online.
With Day 1 fast approaching, take a look at our best bets for Thursday.
*All odds are correct at time of publication but subject to change, tipped horses may also become non-runners
1.45pm – Manifesto Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) – 2m4f
The first race of the three-day meeting is a very classy novices chase, with some of these racing at Cheltenham in mid-March. Normally, it pays to side with a fresh horse who may have missed Cheltenham, especially for Aintree, but we feel we cannot avoid the favourite, Jango Baie. He won the Arkle in determined fashion over two miles at Prestbury Park and we believe he can follow up here. The step-up in trip should suit round this sharper track and he looks set to cash in. The biggest danger could be Paul Nicholls’ Rubaud. He missed the Festival for this contest and won well at Kempton in a Grade 2 in his previous start. A return to a left-handed track will work in his favour and he could run well.
Selection – JANGO BAIE – 11/4
Each-way – Rubaud – 14/1
2.20pm – Boodles Anniversary Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 1) – 2m1f
This race is a follow-up to the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham, where Poniros stunned the crowd to win at odds of 100/1. He misses this race but a couple of contenders from the Triumph are back once again. We think it is best to side with a horse that did not line up that day and the winner could be another Nicholls runner, Live Conti. He has won both his races in good style, winning easily at Wetherby last time out. If allowed to dictate, he may be hard to pass. The each-way shot could be Aviemore. He has won his last two races convincingly and may be worth a small flutter at a big price under Harry Cobden.
Selection – LIVE CONTI – 4/1
Each-way – Aviemore – 50/1
2.55pm – Golden Miller Bowl (Grade 1) – 3m1f
A lot of these runners bypassed the Gold Cup for a stab at this valuable prize, so most of these should be able to run well fresh. It is an intriguing contest, as a lot of the runners do have question marks hanging over them with regard to ground, trip and current form. However, we believe that Spillane’s Tower is the one to beat. He swerved Cheltenham to run here and looks a good decision. He won first time out this season and has had a break since he was beaten favourite in the King George. We think he runs well fresh and can scoop the win here. One for outsider backers could be Djelo. He had a good season before finishing seventh last time at Cheltenham in the Ryanair. We can forgive that run and he could bounce back on a more suitable track.
Selection – SPILLANE’S TOWER – 11/4
Each-way – Djelo – 20/1
3.30pm – Aintree Hurdle (Grade 1) – 2m4f
Four Grade 1s kick off this meeting and this is arguably the best of the lot, with the return of Constitution Hill. He sadly fell at Cheltenham in the Champion Hurdle but was still travelling well at the time. Trainer Nicky Henderson believes his superstar is none the worse for that crashing fall and has schooled well over hurdles since. If back to form, he should comfortably win. However, there are some interesting contenders in opposition, and we like the look of Wodhooh should Constitution Hill not win. He won the Martin Pipe at the Festival in grand style and looks an improving sort who could put the cat amongst the pigeons.
Selection – CONSTITUTION HILL – 4/5
Each-way – Wodhooh – 10/1
4.05pm – Foxhunters’ Chase – 2m5f
From a betting perspective, this is probably the toughest race to choose from on Day 1. It is set to have the biggest field and is also run over the National fences, as punters get a first sight of them before the big day. This is where the amateurs come into their own and experience the unique obstacles first hand. A lot of the runners have warmed up in point-to-points before this race and we like the look of Lifetime Ambition. He ran well at the Punchestown Festival last season before being sent to points this term. He has been in great heart and can win this. For those seeking bigger odds, we think Presentandcounting can run well at big odds. He has been kept up to his work this season but is a consistent sort and could surprise.
Selection – LIFETIME AMBITION – 5/1
Each-way – Presentandcounting– 33/1
4.40pm – Red Rum Handicap Chase– 2m
The first of the handicaps presents a selection poser for those looking for a flutter. Once again, some of these ran at Cheltenham and you wonder whether a hard race there has left a mark just three weeks on. One horse who did not run at the Festival and has had a slightly longer break is The Folkes Tiara, our pick for this contest. He won well at Fairyhouse two runs ago before being narrowly beaten at Leopardstown and a flat track like Aintree will be right in his wheelhouse. A contender at bigger odds could be Dr T J Eckleburg. He has been in superb form all season and is still a young horse. Missing Cheltenham could have done him a favour and he could be one to keep an eye on.
Selection – THE FOLKES TIARA – 10/1
Each-way – Dr T J Eckleburg – 20/1
5.15pm – Nickel Coin National Hunt Flat Race (Grade 2) – 2m1f
A bumper rounds off Day 1 and we believe Charisma Cat will fly home, as it is one of our bankers of the whole meeting. Trained by Alan King, this horse has won three of her last four races, including a valuable event at Sandown last time out. Interestingly, her biggest danger comes from Kingston Queen, who beat her at Market Rasen two months ago. She has done nothing but improve, however, the ground may go against her. We still believe she will run a big race – but Charisma Cat could have the upper hand.
Selection – CHARISMA CAT – 6/1
Each-way – Kingston Queen – 14/1
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