The second of the big spring festivals is upon us as the Grand National meeting kicks off at Aintree Grand National 2024 meeting on Thursday and punters are in for a treat as the track opens up with four Grade 1s.
It’s on to the Grand National fences after that in the Hunter Chase on what is a bumper day. Here we look at some of the major races on Thursday’s ITV card and attempt to point you in the direction of a few winners.
1.45 Aintree – Manifesto Novices’ Chase
A top-class card kicks off with a top-class race as the Grade 1 Manifesto Novices’ Chase gets the meeting underway and it is a fascinating rematch between Grey Dawning and Ginny’s Destiny. The score is 1-1 between them over fences this year and this is a decider. It’s worth backing Ginny’s Destiny to get revenge for his defeat at the hands of Grey Dawning at Cheltenham last month as this speed test around Aintree will suit him better.
Grey Dawning has won over three miles and relished the stiff uphill finish at Cheltenham, but Ginny’s Destiny has more natural speed and is the better jumper of the pair. That combination might prove decisive around a track like this, which takes quite a bit of jumping. Ginny’s Destiny appears to handle any ground and might be able to get his old rival out of his comfort zone, especially as an easy lead might be on offer for this confirmed front-runner.
3.30 Aintree – Aintree Hurdle
The market makes this a match between Bob Olinger and Impaire Et Passe and ready preference is for the latter, who can reverse the placings from their last-time-out meeting. Bob Olinger finished a place and five lengths ahead of Impaire Et Passe on that occasion in the Irish Champion Hurdle, when the pair finished second and third behind State Man, but Impaire Et Passe was ridden differently that day as connections changed to front running.
That was an attempt to run the finish out of State Man and Impaire Et Passe paid for going toe-to-toe with the Champion Hurdle winner by fading out of contention from the last hurdle. He is better than he was able to show that day and had previously shown that when losing out by just a length behind Stayers’ Hurdle winner Teahupoo at Fairyhouse in November and taking second behind State Man at Leopardstown at Christmas.
Both runs are solid efforts. The step back up to 2m4f for the first time since his second to Teahupoo in November looks certain to suit Impaire Et Passe and a reproduction of his best form should be good enough.
4.40 Aintree – Red Rum Handicap Chase
This race is always run at a fast pace over a sharp 2m around Aintree’s tight turns and that may suit Heltenham, who has travelled powerfully on his way to back-to-back victories at Newbury on his last two outings and might have even more to offer from a stronger gallop. Heltenham has risen 12lb in the weights for his two wins and now races off a career-high mark, but he is also improving and his last two runs have been clear career-best efforts.
He will need to take another step forward, but this will be his first start over 2m in more than two years and, if he is suited by the shorter trip, there is every chance he will improve again. Heltenham also handles any ground and was a winner on heavy at Newbury last month. The forecast rain is therefore no problem for him and it might even be beneficial as it could bring his proven stamina (last two wins over 2m4f) into play. There is plenty to like about him here.
Aintree Grand National 2024 – Day 1 Tips
1.45 Aintree – Ginny’s Destiny
3.30 Aintree – Impaire Et Passe
4.40 Aintree – Heltenham
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