Thursday 8th April 2021

The three day, Aintree Grand National meeting starts today. This is my favourite NH meeting of the year and more so than Cheltenham. It’s more relaxed and a super meeting to attend. It's a shame only owners can go this time around.

I’m not surprised to see the odds tighten on the David Pipe trained Adagio who runs in the 2:20. The 7-4 on offer in what should be a two-horse race seemed generous. Adagio has the best form on offer, the only reason he’s not clear favourite is due to Monmiral coming to Aintree a fresh horse.

Adagio is now priced at 5-4 and that’s his correct price. On paper, it should be a two horse race and I hope Adagio wins for obvious reasons.

The Aintree Bowl at 2:50 looks open. If Waiting Patiently is going to win a big one, it has to be today. Saved for this race, flat track, good ground he needs to go well, although the yard isn’t in great form.

I’m not so keen on Tiger Roll around here and the ground might be a bit lively for Native River. Clan Des Obeaux would be the obvious choice with headgear on for the first time. However, I’ve had a few quid EW on Clondaw Castle, 13-2 EW.

He’s unexposed over the trip and looks the value bet.

No real thoughts in the Aintree hurdle, The Irish horses are the ones to beat, but the ground will be different to what they have been running on. Not So Sleepy could outrun his odds of 18-1 EW.

The Mares’ bumper is the last race of the day, I very much hope Eileendover gets the job done for Pam Sly. She’s looked brilliant in her three starts so far and could be Listed class on the flat. If that’s the case, she’ll win again before moving onto the level.