AINTREE TIPS – DAY ONE: Constitution Hill can continue unbeaten run, while Ahoy Senor eyes treble
AINTREE TIPS – DAY ONE: Superstar Constitution Hill can remain undefeated despite longer journey in the Aintree Hurdle as Ahoy Senor attempt to complete a Grand National meeting hat-trick
Undefeated superstar Constitution Hill tops the list as Aintree’s three-day Grand National meeting kicks off on Thursday.
The meeting starts on mostly good to soft ground. After a wet day on Monday, when more than 10 millimeters of rain fell, Tuesday was much drier, but Wednesday was rainy and windy.
The ground is said to be good to soft on the hurdle and chase tracks, while conditions are described as good to soft, soft in places on the National track itself, with further rain expected.
Here, Sportsmail’s SAM TURNER picks out his best bets and top hazards for Thursday’s TV races.
Constitution Hill will top the list as Aintree’s Grand National meeting kicks off on Thursday
ROBIN GOODFELLOW
1.45 Saint Roi
2.20 Zenta
2.55 Ahoy Senor
3:30 p.m. Constitution Hill
4.05 Night Pass (nap)
4.40 gray diamond (nb)
5.15 Jolie Coeur Allen
GIMCRACK
1.45 Saint Roi
2.20 Zenta (nap)
2.55 Ahoy Senor (nb)
3:30 p.m. Constitution Hill
4.05 Winged Leader
4.40 Douglas talk
5.15 Ici La Reine
2.20
ZENTA traveled like a dream in the Triumph Hurdle before handing winner Lossiemouth second place. She can take it up a notch if those efforts haven’t left their mark.
MAIN DANGER: NUSRET will be fresher than most who missed Cheltenham and he did extremely well to score last time at Kempton when he was hindered in the run-in.
2.55
AHOY SENOR crashed out of the Gold Cup before it counted and he is reported to have been well schooled at home as he bids for this meeting for the third consecutive year.
MAJOR HAZARD: CONFLATED was runner-up in this competition 12 months ago and performed with merit in the Gold Cup, so it looks like he’ll be involved again.
3:30 pm
CONSTITUTION HILL is one of the most important hurdlers of recent times and it’s hard to imagine him being beaten even on this longer journey.
MAJOR HAZARD: EPATANTE took full advantage of Zanahiyr’s final hurdle fall 12 months ago to land this race and should prove to be the toughest competition for her stablemate.
4.05
LATENIGHTPASS had an impressive winner of this event’s renewal last year and he looks set to have an excellent chance to defend his crown.
MAIN DANGER: BENNYS KING likes soft ground and stays well for three miles so should be suited to the rigors of this assignment following his smooth success at Fakenham.
4.40
GRAY DIAMOND should appreciate the possibility of a frantic canter and he seems to be peaking at just the right time judging by his smooth Haydock win.
MAIN DANGER: OWN DANCES haven’t been seen since I ran a blinder from the front in this race 12 months ago, but could easily bounce back.