The excitement is palpable as we approach the final day of the Aintree Grand National Festival. As the thundering hooves capture attention across the tracks, Gary O’Brien extends his seasoned insights, offering his best bets as an experienced hand in the horse racing arena. With a keen eye for potential, let’s delve into his picks for the day.
An Unpredictable Start – 13:55
The day kicks off with an interesting conundrum. The decision to field Lulamba in this race shifts the betting landscape significantly, as the young contender absorbs much of the market attention. Gary, with a trainer’s intuition, views this as an opportunity to consider each-way betting against the favorite. Yet, finding the right horse to back proves to be more challenging. Torn between the promising Fingle Bridge, the consistent Honesty Policy, and Castle Carrock, Gary advises a cautious approach—perhaps even watching this one from the sides.
Novice Chasers Take the Limelight – 14:30
In this slot, a field of novices displays their burgeoning talent. MYRETOWN emerges as a standout in Gary’s eyes. His recent performance at the Ultima Handicap Chase in Cheltenham was close to breathtaking, making him a formidable competitor in today’s contest. Despite the challenge of a 15lb weight increase, the adaptable Aintree track might just be his playground to shine brighter. Doctor Ken is noted also, though Myretown’s rapid progression is hard to overlook.
Three-Mile Thrills at 15:05
The three-mile race presents a fusion of youthful potential and mature stamina. KITZBUHEL, though not offering the most lucrative odds, draws scrutiny for his hidden capabilities. Willie Mullins’ strategic guidance and Kitzbuhel’s stamina-focused pedigree suggest more depth when tackling longer courses. Gary sees immense potential for Kitzbuhel to emerge victorious over this extended distance.
Spotlight on the Grand National – 16:00
A truly electrifying highlight of the day is the Grand National. With JP McManus having a formidable lineup, the stakes reach sky high. Amongst the titans, Gary throws his lot with PERCEVAL LEGALLOIS. This seasoned contender, once elusive, demonstrates a newfound vigor. His decisive finishes, especially at the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown, signal a resurgence. Gary’s astute forecasts see Perceval possibly clinching a triumphant victory, a crowning jewel in Gavin Cromwell’s illustrious season.
Renewed Rivalries at 17:00
As the sun begins to cast longer shadows, the race features a return bout among contenders from Cheltenham’s Arkle. ONLY BY NIGHT, having previously proven her mettle, stands well-poised to repeat her performance. Gary’s sharp analysis favors her likelihood of maintaining superiority over rivals like L’Eau Du Sud and Touch Me Not, although he offers this with a measured outlook.
Closing with a Puzzle – 17:35
The festival’s conclusion poses the toughest challenge for punters. It’s a tangled web of possibilities, and even seasoned analysts like Gary opt for an observant approach. A potential wild card is Kilwaughter, whose previous triumph at the Down Royal bumper sparks intrigue. As this horse makes its debut under new management, all eyes will be on its performance amidst the competitive field.
With a seasoned trainer’s wisdom, Gary O’Brien navigates the complex currents of Aintree’s final day, blending intuition with analysis. Whether backing familiar champions or taking a chance on emerging stars, his picks promise an exhilarating conclusion to the festival’s racing spectacle.
