EXPECT Ireland to win the Grand National on Saturday — but Day One’s a Brit of alright.
Oh yes, Aintree 2023 kicks off on ITV with a whopping bang with the Nicky Henderson duo, superstar hurdler Constitution Hill and crack chaser and fan favourite Shishkin.
The former heads for the Grade 1 William Hill Aintree Hurdle as he steps up half a mile in trip from his Champion Hurdle romp.
Shishkin takes on gallant Gold Cup runner-up Bravemansgame in what promises to be a right dust-up in the Grade 1 Alder Hey Aintree Bowl over three miles and a furlong.
Henderson told me: “I don’t think Constitution Hill is any better now than he was at Cheltenham — he hasn’t had to do a lot of work since his last win.
“However, he schooled the other day and jumped beautifully. Nico de Boinville swears his long jump at the last was just the shadow at Cheltenham.
“I’d hope Epatante can chase him home.”
I agree Nicky.
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As for Shishkin, Henderson said: “I’m very excited and very happy with him.
“And I believe he goes to Aintree in a slightly better shape than at Cheltenham. I’m happier with him now than I was before the Festival.
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“It’s a hell of a race. I’ve left the tongue tie off him this time.
“He wore it when he won at Ascot but he didn’t seem to like it in the Ryanair.
“His jumping last time out was awful but in his schooling he has been straight — no left or right stuff.
“He was sore behind when he came home after the Ryanair which might explain that.”
I love Shishkin — and if he wins no one will be happier than me.
That said, he faces a serious test from BRAVEMANSGAME (2.55) for Paul Nicholls and Harry Cobden.
I suspect this trip will suit him better than the slightly longer Cheltenham distance and, at the age of eight, he still might have more to come. I’m sure Paul thinks he does.
Day One gets under way with the Grade 1 Manifesto Novices’ Chase over two and a half miles.
STAGE STAR (1.45) has every chance of an uncontested lead here, again for Nicholls and Cobden.
Cobden gave him a beautiful ride at Cheltenham and if the seven-year-old is in the same form as he was then he’ll take some stopping.
He was really good in the Turners and showed a willing attitude when challenged.
Provided he settles on the front end he has a huge chance.
Banbridge was last seen staying on behind the brilliant El Fabiolo and represents a serious threat now he is stepped up in trip.
We’ve got another Grade 1 in the Jewson Anniversary Hurdle over two miles and a furlong next up.
PERSEUS WAY (2.20) disappointed me at Cheltenham but I have to give him another chance here at double-digit odds.
My hope might well have beaten Nusret at Kempton if he had not made a mistake at the last in the Adonis and the latter could end second favourite here.
Hopefully Niall Houlihan gets a good tune out of the son of Sea the Stars for Gary Moore.
CONSTITUTION HILL (3.30) is up next and simply cannot be opposed in what could turn out to be his last run over hurdles.
Then we have a hugely competitive affair for the Foxhunters Chase over two miles and five furlongs.
FAMOUS CLERMONT (4.05) didn’t quite stay at Cheltenham in the equivalent race over regulation fences but still ran a cracker in sixth place behind Premier Magic. I suspect this trip will be ideal.
The Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Chase over two miles is also wide open.
There will be a strong gallop here and that should suit THIRD TIME LUCKI (4.40) down to the ground. An each-way chance.
The opening day ends with a Grade 2 mares’ bumper over two miles and a furlong.
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In many ways this is a guessing game, but surely SEEYOUINMYDREAMS (5.15) will take all the beating.
It will be a cracking day of racing. Bring it on. Yeeehaaa!
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