The Aintree Grand National Festival 2023 is well under way and to make sure that you don’t miss out, Karl Hedley has put together a preview of each race on the third and final day.
With a little bit of knowledge and a few choice tips, it’s a great guide to Day Three. Of course, we also know that the Grand National is on day three so for a more in-depth guide to that race, just click here.
Village Hotels Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) 3M 1/2F
Tip: West Balboa
Danger: Mexico
West Balboa could well prove the answer to this tricky looking puzzle. She has only run four races in her career, but she has run well on each and every start.
The most recent of those came at Kempton back in January where she won an ultra-competitive renewal of the Lanzarote Hurdle. She has been given a little bit of time off since, but if fully wound up here, a repeat of that run would see her go close.
She is in off just a five-pound higher mark and there is obviously a lot of improvement to come from her.
Mexico won by eight lengths on his most recent start and has to be a threat as too does top weight Good Time Jonny who bounced back to his best when winning the Pertemps at Cheltenham last time out.
Turners Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) 2M 4F
Tip: Dark Raven
Danger: Irish Point
Dark Raven is taken to continue on an upward trajectory by landing this race for Willie Mullins and Paul Townend.
He was never really fancied to land a blow in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and he turned in a fair enough effort to finish sixth to Marine Nationale.
The form of the race was given a timely boost just yesterday when Fennor Cross won so easily in a very good handicap here.
Running in the familiar colours of Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, this six-year-old can give Willie Mullins his first win in the race since Yorkhill in 2016.
Fellow Irish raider Irish Point will likely prove a threat as too will the ever consistent You Wear It Well.
JRL Liverpool Group Hurdle (Grade 1) 3 M 149 YDS
Tip: Flooring Porter
Danger: Home By The Lee
Flooring Porter can turn the tables on recent conqueror Sire Du Berlais as the former has had such an interrupted campaign.
The Stayers Hurdle was used as his comeback run and will have set him up perfectly to run a far better race here. Expect him to be on the premises from the outset at he tries to reclaim a Grade One prize for a third consecutive season.
Fellow Irish raider Home By The Lee looks a sure-fire danger as too does Champ who goes so well fresh.
With a proper run under his belt though, Flooring Porter can grasp this opportunity from the outset and get his career back on track.
William Hill Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) 3M 210 YDS
Tip: Shakem Up’Arry
Danger: Kapga De Lily
Shakem Up’Arry ran an incredible race at Cheltenham coming back from an enforced two-month break. He sneaked his way into the race and made a challenge two from home.
He tired in the closing stages, and eventually finished third to Seddon, but there is no doubt that he will come on in leaps and bounds for that run.
He has won on similar flat tracks such as Exeter and Haydock and regular jockey Luca Morgan is back in the saddle. He gets the best part of a stone and more from the likes of Midnight River and Eldorado Allen which can only aid his cause.
Kapga De Lily sees out this trip well and could run well for Venetia Williams at rewarding odds whilst Coconut Splash could make the frame for Evan Williams and Adam Wedge.
Randox Grand National Handicap Chase (Grade 3) 4m2½f
This is such a huge race that we’ve dedicated a whole other article to it. Karl Hedley has looked at every single runner in detail and picked out a few that he thinks can run a great race.
For all those details, check out our Top Tippers Guide To The 2023 Grand National – just click the link!
