2:05 Aintree Tips

Looks the class act here based on his Grade 2 hurdle win. Although well beaten in the Boodles Hurdle here, the stable is renowned for improving hurdlers to chasers, and he can take this for an in-form stable.

Highlands Legacy had a stylish win on debut over at Worcester and had good speed at the race end, which suits a track like Aintree. Will go close in a follow-up.

Javert Allen looked a very exciting prospect for Jane Williams in the early part of last season. He jumped really well at Chepstow and Newbury to claim two nice wins. His other two runs weren't as good, and maybe he's an autumn horse. With the stable going great guns, this could be the time to catch him. I suspect he will be asked to force the pace, and, if his jumping is up to scratch, he could lead all the way.

The favorite could be a world-beater but is only a 4-year-old, and Jour Devasion could expose any weakness as he is likely to be set alight and play 'catch me if you can.' Jour Devasion was leading them a merry dance last time out in a class 2 before being swamped late on. He may have won or placed if that race was over 2 miles and could be rated 125/127 today. Now he is dropped 2 lbs and in class. He has the best handicap hurdle form in the race, and adjusted times of his last outing over the first 2 miles would rival the favorite's graded form. STD has not finished outside the top 3 on him.

The 7yo had back-to-back chase wins last Dec/Feb. Back from a six month break with a nice win last month, winning the 13 runner handicap by a huge 18L. A much higher rating for this handicap but a mark of 112 does look manageable.

Netywell has not won since February 2024 when he completed a hat trick of wins at Newcastle off 124. He finally has dropped back below that winning mark to 123 after finishing 3rd to yesterday's winner Thistle Ask, giving him ten pounds at Kelso a fortnight ago.

Connections won this race in 2023 with Djelo first time out. Whilst Alcedo also lacks a recent run, he has won when fresh. He did not stay three miles at Exeter last time on heavy ground, and this drop back in distance looks ideal.

Improving gelding won 3 handicap chases last season. Should come on for a runner-up finish in a 3 runner affair on recent return and rates a bit of each-way value off a low weight.

Drips down to a mark where it should be competitive. I like the chances for a top three place with Bowen taking the ride and think it bounces right back to form here.