Ruby Walsh and Rory Delargy give their verdicts ahead of day two of the Grand National Festival

It’s here! The second day of the Grand National Festival will take place later this afternoon.

After a thrilling opening day of the festival, which saw Constitution Hill claim victory in the Aintree Hurdle, there’s plenty more action coming your way on Friday.

The first race starts at 1.45pm with the Air Charter Services Mildmay Novices’ Steeple Chase.

There will be seven races in total on day two of the Grand National Festival.

And ahead of the action, Paddy Power experts Rory Delargy and Ruby Walsh give you their race-by-race predictions for the day.

Gerri Colombe is Paddy Power’s favorite to win the Novices’ Steeple Chase on day two

13:45 The Mildmay Novices’ Steeple Chase (Class 1) Grade 1 3m 1f

2023 GRAND NATIONAL FESTIVAL OPPORTUNITIES

13:45 Mildmay Beginner’s Pursuit:

Gerri Colombe 4/7

Source 4/1

Complete Unknown 6/1

14:20 The handicap obstacle:

Camp round 7/1

Fennor Cross 7/1

Dargiannini 8/1

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Rory Delargy: ‘Complete Unknown did well against less company at Kempton, the last time out. But, to Grade 1 company is another question.

“The overall marker looks like it will be even money on Gerri Colombe. I think he looks really solid. He almost won at Cheltenham. I think a win will get him back on track.”

Ruby Wals: ‘I’m going to do it differently than Rory. Gerri Colombe has scored four points this season, Bronn only three. I think he could be the fresher horse to come here.

“I know they’ve met twice and Colombe won both times, but I think Bronn will be the fresher horse and that’s who I’m going with.”

14:20 The William Hill Handicap Hurdle (Class 1) Grade 3

Delargy: ‘When it gets really soft, I’m going to make a little play about Jason The Militant. I wouldn’t support him unless it was softer or deeper. He was out of his depth in the Champion Hurdle.

“You have to remember he was a favorite in the Aintree Hurdle a few years ago. Obviously he’s had a few issues since then, but he’s still shown some really smart form. It’s not a confident bet, but possibly a bit of value for a huge price.

Waltz: ‘I landed at Sonigino. Soft ground would be a problem for him. But I just thought, on 18/1, it’s too high a price. Sonigino for me.’

Campround is the favorite to succeed in the William Hill Handicap Hurdle

14:55 The Top Novices’ Hurdle (Class 1) Grade 1 2m ½F ITV

Waltz: ‘I’m going for Found A Fifty. I think his race at Naas was a great race. I really like Found A Fifty. I thought he blew Parmenion out of the water in Fairyhouse.’

2023 GRAND NATIONAL FESTIVAL OPPORTUNITIES

14:55 The hurdle for the best beginners:

Found a Fifty 7/2

In the pocket 7/2

Lucia 4/1

15:30 Marsh Pursuit:

Fakir D’Oudairies 7/4

Photo DOrhy 3/1

French dynamite 7/1

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Delargy: ‘I also like Found A Fifty. For a horse with limited experience I thought he did a good job beating Parmenion. He then stepped up to finish second at Corbetts Cross. I think the fact that he missed Cheltenham is a big plus.

“InThePocket, I’ve never been quite fond of him. He ran very well in the Supreme [Novices’ Hurdle] but he didn’t threaten to win that. He came through late and finished fourth. I’m not entirely convinced of his attitude.’

3:30 PM Marsh Chase (Grade 1)

Waltz: ‘ Every time I go for a horse for a big prize and that is Millers Bank. He won the Manifest here last year. It is his second run after wind surgery.

‘He’s 10/1 and I think he’s an open Grade 1 horse. I think he’s always bordered on a Grade 1 horse and he’s won a few Grade 1 chases because he’s really well placed. I’m going to Miller’s Bank.’

Delargy: ‘Fakir D’Oudairies was a bit disappointing in the Ascot Chase. He could bounce back, but he doesn’t seem to be as good this year as he was last year. So I want to go for a real trier here.

“I think Fugitif has always had a lot of ability, but also always been a bit vulnerable. His second-place finish in two of the hottest handicaps of the year at Cheltenham looks very good on paper.

“He needs to step up again, but he comes here after three solid performances and I think he might be able to finish the season on a high note.”

Rachel Blackmore and Inthepocket pictured together at Cheltenham Festival in 2023

Fakir D’Oudairies has been tipped by many to be successful at the Marsh Chase at Aintree

16:05 Topham Handicap Pursuit

Waltz: ‘I think this is an ideal day for Burrows Saint. I thought he was doing well at the Down Royal behind Longhouse Poet.

2023 GRAND NATIONAL FESTIVAL OPPORTUNITIES

16:05 Topham Handicap Pursuit:

Skilled 7/1

Al dancer 8/1

Ashtown boy 8/1

16:40 Hurdle Sefton Novices:

Absolute Concepts 7/2

Stay away Fay 4/1

Iroco 11/2

17:15 Abersoch Land and Sea Handicap Hurdle:

Paramount 7/1

Go Dante 7/1

JPR A 15/2

‘Then you have Ciel De Neige – but I don’t know what his journey is. Maybe these fences can breathe some life into him.

‘Which one am I going for? I think Burrows Saint is a great jumper and I think this will suit him very well.’

Delargy: ‘And I wouldn’t be at all surprised if Burrows Saint came out on top, although his form has yet to improve in the last few runs.

“But I’m going to take a big hit here, on a horse that’s capable of running a really good race. And those are Fantastikas.

“It’s a real shot in the dark, but with no bottom weight, and for a horse that can lead the way and set a good rhythm, it might suit him.”

16:40 Sefton Beginner Horde

Waltz: ‘Stay away Fay could do it again. I thought he was unlucky in Doncaster where he got caught between two horses.

“But I’m going for a two-way shout for a horse that Rory has tipped a few times and that’s Blenkinsop.”

Delargy“I respect Blenkinsop’s chance here, but I’m not going with him in this race. It took him a while to get his act together, but when he did, he came alive.

“But I’m here for something safe. I think a bet either way on Maximilian pays off. I think his freshness pays off here.’

17:15 Abersoch land and sea handicap obstacle

Waltz: ‘Gaoth Cuil will appreciate the rain that has fallen. It’s unlikely she’ll win, but she’ll run a good race.’

Delargy“This is a really tough race for me to find an angle in and I wouldn’t get too heavily involved.”

NAPES

Waltz: Best bet on day two is Sonigino Each Way in race two.

Delargy: I went for Jason the Militant – when it gets really soft.

Paddy Power expert Rory Delargy has suggested Fantastikas could win on day two

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