1:55 Aintree Tips

Ballyfad did well in February when second in a G1 at Leopardstown in the mud. Although having a bit of trouble last time out ??' getting kicked before the start and finishing only mid-field ??' the yard have won this for the last four runnings. I expect a lot more today, with the expected rain likely to help the cause.

Bossman Jack would have finished better than sixth at Cheltenham but for making a bad mistake at the final flight. He can gain compensation by winning at Aintree.

Unexposed, 5yo, 3 wins from 4. He was a respectable fourth in a Grade 1 in December, on just his third career start, only weakening on the run-in. He took another step forward six weeks ago??'an impressive 6L winner of a Grade 2 hurdle contest. The 10-runner field was strung out, and the jockey only had to give him a little shake-up after jumping the last. Worth his place in this Grade 1 novice hurdle.

Having triumphed in a significant Sandown race last time out, under the expert training of Olly Murphy, he is on the verge of achieving a five-timer. His skilful jumping and consistent improvement render him a highly competitive choice, presenting great each-way value at 8/1.

Was a close 3rd on his only start in bumpers before being sent hurdling and has already shown fair form over them. Off the mark at the first attempt when landing a maiden at Cheltenham in November. Has run well in three subsequent starts and appeared to excel himself when staying on to finish 4th in the Bingham Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham last time at odds of 150/1. There could be more to come, so worth considering.

The cat who will get the milk. A fantastic chance to win this race. On rating, should win this, but you never know in these big races. I think he will be in the mix.

Lord Byron has not been far away in three of the four runs since changing yards. The latest three runs were in G2 and G1, finishing 4-4-5. Worth an each-way 4-place shot of getting on with the new trip.

This one is just from words, but it's meant to be a special horse, and that's something I can't ignore for a horse who missed Cheltenham to come here and is 25/1. Got to be a punt (albeit a punt in the dark).

French raider who is battle-hardened over there with 28 runs under rules. He wasn’t far behind Losange Blue, who had previously beaten 152-rated Jet Blue, so whilst getting weight there it’s a decent level of form. Losange Blue is a proper horse, beating the likes of Hewick and July Flower back in 2024. The trip is a big enough question mark for him, as is the ground, but I’m happy to chance him on that. The trainer has had six winners in France in April, so is in fair form. He was entered into the 2-miler here on Friday but swerved that to go over further, which is interesting enough, as is the substitute if Bryony Frost follows the expected jockey’s injury.

Kosac Doudairies comes here today with a good each-way chance at 22/1 (William Hill). The chestnut gelding was last seen running very well at Kelso in a Grade 2 contest when 2nd, 42 days ago.

Disappointed on latest outing at Kempton in February, but had impressed in two hurdle races before that, winning at Taunton and Musselburgh. Each-way chance if recapturing that form.