2:40 Aintree Tips

Excello has had stamina problems at three miles and above in the past, but he is still only a six-year-old. His stamina should be improving with age. He has experience of these fences, even though he has made costly mistakes in races. He was third, only a head behind Gaboriot in second here last month over two miles five furlongs in the Grand Sefton Chase.

For a nine-year-old, Mr Vango has not raced in that many races, as this will only be his fourth season of racing. He has won twice on his first race of the season, and the other time he finished third. This will be his first time over the National fences, so hopefully he will have schooled well and take them in his stride. He carried twelve stone to victory off a mark of one hundred and forty-three when last seen on a racecourse, winning the Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter. He again carries twelve stone, but this time off a mark of one hundred and fifty-two, and this time runs over a mile less. With regular partner Jack Tudor in the saddle, Mr Vango has every chance to run a good race on his seasonal reappearance.

The Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero-trained Gaboriot enjoys jumping the National fences. He finished in the first three in the last two runnings of the Grand Sefton over an inadequate two miles five furlongs. The ground is softer here, and this extra test of stamina will also suit.

Galia Des Liteaux finished 8th in the Grand National last year and went well for a very long way. The 9yo is now on a 12 lb lower mark from that effort and gets another 3 lb off with the rider's claim. This trip suits him well and the ground should not inconvenience him. He will be sharper for his comeback effort 34 days ago, which came after a 232-day break.

This horse arguably blew up a bit on its seasonal debut last time out when fading into fourth when sent off favourite, and will strip fitter here off this 1 lb lower mark. There's plenty of rain in the forecast, too, and this horse is going to appreciate softer ground more than most. Should probably be a couple of points shorter and looks the each-way value in the race to me.

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This looks a very strong renewal of the Becher Chase where a number have a decent claim. Mr Vango looks a very big danger, but I'm siding with the Warren Greatrex-trained Bill Baxter to bring home the bacon. The selection was very impressive at Punchestown at their festival and had a good prep race for this at Newbury last time. Sam Twiston-Davies takes the ride, and he rides this course particularly well.

This choice is for those who are primarily looking for stability. Val Dancer has six wins under his belt. Last season he finished first twice and second once. His ninth-place finish in his last race is quite uncharacteristic and can be excused, as it was his season debut. Charlie Hammond, who was responsible for all of last season's successes, returns to the saddle today.

Seven-time winner White Rhino is worth a second chance over the Aintree fences. He won his first two starts over fences and, although disappointing in his next two runs, was well fancied for the Grand Sefton last month. His chance, though, was virtually ended at the 3rd fence when he was badly hampered. The extra 4 furlongs here should help, and he is also 4 lbs lower, making him look a good each-way bet with 4 places on offer.

Mahon's Glory looks underrated here. Simple as that. Has recent course form, gets the trip, and if the ground is soft I think the selection will be OK.

Twig is a proper old pro, and he showed me at Sandown that there is still plenty left in him. He ground it out from the front and found more when they came at him late. He’s at his best bowling along over about 3m, and Aintree should let him do just that if he gets away cleanly. The new mark does ask a bit more from him, but he’s tough, so another prominent run feels very realistic here. If he gets into that comfortable jumping groove, he can give a proper run for your money here and isn’t out of this by any means.

Roi Mage has been campaigned in France in recent times, performing admirably. He ran well over these fences in the 2023 Grand National, and although in the veteran stage, he can outrun his odds here.

Smart staying chaser who ended a 2-year losing streak at Uttoxeter in February. Performed better than sixth place suggests in a prominent Sandown handicap in the final race of last season. He could be susceptible after a seven-month break, so an each-way bet at 20/1 is advised.