2:30 Aintree Tips

Now back up in trip, MR HOPE STREET remains open to progress after possibly needing the run when 4th to Soldierofthestorm at Sandown 5 weeks ago. Jockey Harry Skelton has placed seven times in fourteen rides (50%) when aboard, winning four (29%). Every chance.

A winner over 24f in his only point start and has not been over that sort of trip too often since. When he has, he has won twice, so you would like to think on his third start for Joseph O'Brien stepping up to 25f, the same distance when winning at Roscommon last summer, should be ideal.

He stands as a formidable candidate for victory, aiming for an impressive hat-trick in this particular William Hill Handicap Chase. He returns with a competitive rating, just 1 lb above last year's five-length win, and evidently excels on this track. Tom Lacey's charge is a specialist on this course, meticulously readied for this specific challenge.

He stands out as a promising each-way option at 7/1, coming off a hat-trick that includes a decisive win in the Ladbrokes Trophy at Kempton. His credentials at this course are remarkable, as he triumphed in the Grade 2 bumper during this meeting last year.

Deep Cave has had a short break since his disappointing run at Kempton, and that hopefully will have brought him back to the level he was at in the earlier part of the season. Christian Williams has a good record with his handicap chasers, and he might work his magic again with Deep Cave.

Has taken well to chasing, having been sent over them straight away when moving to this yard. The only blemish was being pulled up at Cheltenham in November when failing to handle ground conditions. He has produced better performances in three subsequent starts, including back at Cheltenham last time when he was 5th in the Ultima Chase. These quicker conditions will suit, and he looks to hold decent claims.

Konfusion appeals from an each-way perspective. Five wins from eleven starts over fences is a good strike rate. Stays well (by Schiaparelli) and usually jumps well, although he took a tumble at Cheltenham last time. 15-length winner of the Rehearsal Chase at Newcastle, 7-length winner of the Rowland Meyrick at Wetherby, and a solid third in the Grade 3 Peter Marsh at Haydock. Continued to run well late into the season last year. Gavin Sheehan rides.

Tired and fading when falling 2 out in the Welsh National. But did well to a point, and this trip on slightly better ground could suit. Was only 7/1 that day, so quietly fancied. Can get amongst the 5 places.

On a major recovery mission after two poor efforts, the reapplication of the tongue tie provides some intrigue for this bottom-weight horse. It was applied on his first start for Mullins and he duly obliged. He kept on for a solid next effort; that was on soft ground, which Mullins has been clear he doesn’t want. You can upgrade that effort back in August, and he’s progressed since, peaking with a win at Kempton over 3 miles when he looked like a horse with something in hand. He was poor behind Lookaway at Kempton ??' almost too bad to be true after a number of mistakes, which he’ll need to cut out to get competitive here. Overall, in a rather middling race, I thought he looked a bet.

Glengouly is worth another chance at this distance after leading until two out over further at the Cheltenham Festival. He has since had wind surgery, has been dropped two pounds, and gets Sean Bowen on board.