Dave Massey’s Aintree betting tips for Saturday, 7 November

Dave Massey previews Saturday’s action at Aintree, selecting his best bets for the races at 1.15, 1.45, 2.25 and 3.00.

1.15 Aintree

Kadastral is an obvious one on his chase debut, as he’s always looked the type to do well over the bigger obstacles, but he hasn’t been seen since March, and he did need his first start of last year, for all he was second to Sober Glory in the process. This is a tough race to make your chase debut in, too, and the preference is for Sans Bruit, who has a strong record at Aintree, having won the Red Rum here in 2023 and 2024. He was third when made favourite for the race last year but ran poorly at Ayr on his only other start, and has had wind surgery in the meantime, which should help.

Normally he needs a run to put him right but the fact he rocks up at a venue where he has such a good record, and with his trainer, Paul Nicholls, bang in form, he must be worth taking a chance on from such a good-looking mark. Indeed, Jay Tidball takes another 5lb off his back, and he looks too well handicapped to ignore.

1.45 Aintree

A cracking little contest for the money.

Mydaddypaddy was one of the big Skelton hopes last year, and for all he ended up third in the Supreme, his reputation took a slight dent when he was beaten here at odds-on, finding Idaho Sun too good in the Formby. He gets a useful 4lb from Alexei today, but I suspect this 2m1f trip is ideal for the Tizzard runner and with Joe still having plenty of winners, he’s taken to make a winning reappearance.

A rapid improver last year, he began it by winning an Ascot handicap and ended it with placings in both the Champion Hurdle and Aintree Hurdle, two top-class efforts. A repeat of either effort will make him tough to beat, and Mydaddypaddy will need to step it up again to beat him.

2.25 Aintree

No Drama This End was one of the big talking horses last year and, bar a blip in the Turners at Cheltenham, was unbeaten. It all went wrong at Cheltenham, where he got squeezed out at the start and found himself further back than Harry Cobden wanted. All the same, it was a little disappointing to see him pull up, and for all he won his other four starts, including the Challow, he does start this year with a little to prove if he’s to live up to a lofty reputation.

Talk To The Man has the advantage of fitness and has already jumped a fence in public, and he looked an absolute natural at the game when scoring at Worcester, jumping superbly and looking like he had plenty in the tank. He beat the useful Klimt Madrik there, which means both he and No Drama This End have done so, and there’s very little between the pair on form. The fitness advantage edges it towards Talk To The Man.

Taurus Bay isn’t out of this. A point-to-point winner, he looked a good horse when he ran Kripticjim to a short head at Cheltenham, and although he was a bit disappointing in Turners, this switch to fences will put him in a better light. I wouldn’t put anyone off a Talk To The Man/Taurus Bay forecast.

3.00 Aintree

As ever in these events, there are plenty you can give chances to.

I’m a big fan of French Ship; there are races to be won with him this year, but I’m still undecided as to whether three miles will see him at his best. He tried it a couple of times last year, and results were inconclusive, but it’s worth bearing in mind he came to hand very early last year. I can’t dismiss him, but equally I think there’s better value around.

After looking like the handicapper had him where he wanted him for much of last year, Idem looked rejuvenated when he reappeared at Perth, winning by a snug length. Third home, The G Wizard, and fourth, Medieval Gold, were both winners on their next starts, and the form looks very solid, so from a 5lb higher mark he must be taken seriously.

Those wanting something each-way should stop at Lihyan, who has a decent record at Aintree, two places and a solid seventh in a Premier Handicap here at the April Festival. He’ll be dropped out to come with a late run, and although he hasn’t shown much in two starts this autumn, he’ll have needed both to get fitter, and I’d expect a lot better today.

Dave Massey’s Aintree best bets for Saturday

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