4:40 Aintree Tips

Sans Bruit is a two-time winner of this race and, unsurprisingly, he's well found in the market. He does thrive at this time of year and is just 3 lbs higher than his win last year (and the year before). The setup of the race looks perfect for him, with a load of horses that like to be held up, meaning he should get his own way up front under Harry Cobden.

The 7yo took well to the switch to fences this winter, with two wins and two very narrow defeats. Five of the runners that finished close to him in those races are now rated much higher, including three that are 15 lb, 18 lb, and 23 lb higher. He's been kept fresh for this handicap with a 12-week break. Trip and going are ideal, and he should go well.

Javert Allen makes the long trip from Jane's Williams' stable in Devon this afternoon. He seems to be a better horse when he travels left-handed. Trying first-time cheekpieces today, this lightweight has a chance.

Henry has two in here and DOK is on Jasko Des Dames which would imply he's the stables pick but I fancy Wonleg can run a big race under his 5lbs claimer who rode - and won - on the horse earlier this season. Last seen finishing 3rd in a competitive handicap chase at Leopardstown in December, that form has been franked with the 2nd finishing 4th from 8lbs higher in the Grand Annual and the winner finished 3rd in a Listed handicap next time. Missing Cheltenham has been a huge positive in recent years with only one winner since 2014 having even run there, whilst Henry De Bromhead has won this twice since 2019.

The 11-year-old has had a nice career: five wins over fences and £316K in prize money. A 16f trip on better ground is ideal. He produced a better effort last time out when 8th of 20 in a competitive festival handicap. He was at the rear coming down the hill but picked up and still had a chance jumping 2 out. He couldn’t land a blow but stayed on. Something to build on. A 4 lb lower mark now, and he was rated 19 lb higher at the start of last year. Worth an each-way shout.