Aintree Day 2 Betting Preview

2:00 Novices´ Hurdle Grade 2 Cl1 2m110y
This is a good opportunity for Darlan to make up for his Supreme Novices’ disappointment and he is priced to do so at 2/1 (William Hill). Propsect Wells finished a length behind him at Cheltenham but isn’t fancied to turn around the form at 4/1 (Stan James).

There are several horses in the field yet to test their credentials at Grade level but none of them make a compelling case to be backed.

Vulcanite pulled too hard in the Supreme, but returning to a conventional track he might be seen to better effect. He was a useful horse on the flat and not one to write off yet.
Verdict: Vulcanite at 10/1 (William Hill)

2:30 Mildmay Novices´ Chase Grade 2 Cl1 3m1f
A fiddly looking race with all five runners looking short of being top class. Champion Court (9/4 Paddy Power) finished 4.5 lengths behind Sir Des Champs at Cheltenham. With the winner touted as a Gold Cup horse, it is probably the best form on display.
Verdict: Champion Court at 9/4 (Paddy Power)

3:05 Melling Chase Grade 1 Cl1 2m4f
As long as the drying ground hasn’t been over-watered, conditions should play into the hands of Albertas Run. He was desperately close to winning the Ryanair at Cheltenham and showed he retained all of his ability despite the advancing years.

The big danger is Champion Chase winner Finian’s Rainbow (6/4 Coral). Although he is stepping up in trip he settles much better in his races. Of the outsiders Kauto Stone (14/1 Bet365) can be given a chance if returning to his early season form.
Verdict: Albertas Run at 3/1 (William Hill)

3:40 Topham Chase Handicap (Grade 3) Cl1 2m5f110y
Run over the National fences, it is a race that can breed course specialists. Always Waining (12/1 Boylesports) is looking for his third consecutive win in the race and although his recent form isn’t anything special the same could have been said before his previous victories. The useful Fistral Beach (25/1 BetVictor) could give him something to think about.
Verdict: Fistral Beach at 25/1 (Bet Victor)

4:15 Sefton Novices´ Hurdle Grade 1 Cl1 3m110y
The race revolves around the unbeaten Fingal Bay at 6/4 (Bet365). Injury forced him to miss the Cheltenham Festival but his defeat of Simonsig reads very well.

He is a short price in a 19-runner field full of potential improvers. Cotton Mill (11/2 Betfred) was going well when unseating at Cheltenham and Knock A Hand (14/1 Betfred) is unbeaten over hurdles and will enjoy the flat galloping track.
Verdict: Knock A Hand at 14/1 (Betfred)