1:20 Aintree Tips

Hold The Serve changed yards to Dan Skelton in Sept and might be an 8-year-old but still seems to be improving. His latest run in the G3 Pertemps at Cheltenham was a win by over 3L. I can't rule him out even with the 9 lbs rise for that last win.

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A useful staying handicap hurdler on his day and bounced back to form at Cheltenham last time when a cosy winner of the Pertemps Final, when well supported in the betting. This sharper track presents a different challenge, but if in anything like the same sort of form he will certainly go close.

Absolutely Doyan has hardly stopped improving, so one defeat at Cheltenham, eight lengths behind the winner Supremely West, is not a disaster. He had some trouble in running as well and is worth an each-way shout at least.

Improved throughout the year and ran his best race yet at Cheltenham. Same mark here, and with the yard going really well, can go close here.

A very nice hurdler that ran a great race last time out when coming runner-up at Sandown last month. Sure to go well over this trip in these ground conditions.

Has looked a progressive hurdler and boasts a pretty consistent record over them since moving to this yard. He is yet to finish out of the first two. Having won a handicap at Plumpton, he stepped up on that when runner-up in a similar race at Kelso last time. This test looks likely to suit and could bring about enough improvement to make the frame.

Despite being vulnerable to less-exposed types, BOLD ENDEAVOUR gave his all when 7th to Supremely West in a Premier Handicap at Cheltenham 4 weeks ago. He has placed ten times in twenty-three runs (43%) on good-to-soft or similar going, winning four (17%). One to watch.

Jeriko Du Reponet had some good runs last spring, including a G3 second over hurdles. Since returning in November he has been running over fences without success. Although top weight today, I think the return to hurdles is a plus. While I don't think he will win this with 5P on offer, I think he could be worth an EW.

Plenty of these ran in the Pertemps, and it’s along those lines that Quantum Quest could come into play. Fresh, having not run since December when giving 7 lb to Good Girl Kathleen. She did little for that form, but it should be noted that before that this horse finished four lengths behind Supremely West getting 10 lb. He’ll get 5 more here, and while that might not be enough to turn the tables in itself, he’s fresh off a big break which can gain him even more. A proven 3-miler on decent ground, he could be underestimated off this mark if he’s had any sort of progression behind the scenes in the last few months. Hopefully he’ll get forward to make the most of that proven stamina, and he’s generally ridden forwards anyway, so hopefully he’ll be doing his best work late.

Needs a flat track to show best. Struggled with Cheltenham last time, but at the weights I don't think he is yet exposed. I'd be having a small bet, but 20s is value here. Form ties in with some decently franked horses.

He is a dynamic competitor with a proven track record over both hurdles and fences. Under the guidance of trainer Philip Hobbs and the ownership of former champion jockey Richard Johnson, he has demonstrated his capability to navigate challenging ground and maintain a strong pace. His recent victory at Cheltenham indicates that he is still in peak condition, making him a promising each-way option at 28/1.

Chart Topper is trained by William Mullins and ridden by Brian Hayes. Chart Topper fell whilst leading at Haydock and had an unfortunate run at Cheltenham. However, with odds of 40/1 from the bookmakers and being trained by such a trainer, Chart Topper could well make this EW bet a profitable one

Lihyan was placed 3rd over course and distance last October and won last time out at Newbury. Raised only two pounds, he just gets in at the bottom of the handicap here on 128. Capable of being in the front five at the finish.