Grand National Festival Day 1 tips: Thursday April 3
The 2025 Grand National Festival at Aintree gets under way on Thursday with a seven-race card that comprises four Grade 1 contests, a Premier Handicap, a National Hunt Flat race plus a hunter chase in which the runners tackle the formidable fences that will be used in Saturday's big race.
Our expert has cast his eye over the first day's runners and riders and provided five selections for readers to consider.
Betting on Aintree? Take a look at these Grand National betting offers and the Grand National runners and riders guide that has everything you need to know, including an expert rating for each horse in the big race.
Grand National Day 1 tips – Aintree, Thursday April 3
1.45 – Rubaud @ 12/1 with Sky Bet
2.20 – Mambonumberfive @ 10/1 with Sky Bet
3.30 – Constitution Hill @ 8/11 with Sky Bet
4.40 – Sans Bruit @ 6/1 with Sky Bet
4.40 – Calico @ 12/1 with Sky Bet
Odds provided by Sky Bet and correct at the time of writing.
If you already have a Sky Bet account and are looking for a new bookmaker to use for this week's racing, check out our list of the best free bets.
1.45 Aintree – ECB Group Manifesto Novices' Chase (Grade 1, 2m 4f)
The three horses at the head of the market – Impaire Et Passe, Jango Baie and Croke Park – should draw most of the focus in this race, which means bettors should get a healthy price on RUBAUD.
Two years ago this month, the Paul Nicholls-trained gelding won the Scottish Champion Hurdle on good going at Ayr. Bottomless ground at Sandown in December forced the postponement of his chasing debut until later that month, when he was a faller in good-to-soft conditions at Kempton.
However, at Warwick in February he pushed the talented L'Eau du Sud all the way to the line in an impressive performance over two miles. That run suggested a step up in trip would be beneficial – and so it proved as he won over an extended version 2m 4f at Kempton a fortnight later..
With the benefit of experience and more springlike conditions that should suit him, there is certainly value in backing Rubaud.
2.20 Aintree – Boodles Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 1, 2m 1f)
We are overlooking Cheltenham form here and opting for MAMBONUMBERFIVE, who impressed when beating four rivals to land a Grade 2 hurdle at Kempton in February.
Second and third that day were St Pancras, who won on both starts either side of that run, and Mondo Man, the most notable scalp of all. A very classy performer on the Flat, Mondo Man pushed the impressive Lulamba all the way on his hurdles debut, so the Kempton form can be upgraded.
Ben Pauling swerved Cheltenham with this juvenile so he will be fresh today against rivals who are returning to action quite quickly.
3.30 Aintree – William Hill Aintree Hurdle (Grade 1, 2m 4f)
This is going to be a short preview, with CONSTITUTION HILL expected to make amends for his fall in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham and confirm his form from earlier in the season with the Mares' Hurdle winner Lossiemouth, despite the extra four furlongs in trip.
The eight-year-old is the best horse in the race and Nico de Boinville will be in no mood for further mistakes, so expect a statement-making ride. And look out for boosts on the day as you might be able to get evens or better on Nicky Henderson's star performer.
4.40 Aintree – Red Rum Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap, 2m)
Last year's winner SANS BRUIT runs the same mark as 12 months ago, having failed to progress throughout the season. That said, he hasn't run without promise and a return to this venue could definitely prove a successful move on what could be a good day for trainer Paul Nicholls.
CALICO looks very overpriced at 16/1 and can't be dismissed for the valuable handicap specialists Harry and Dan Skelton. He runs off just 2lb higher than his win in October at Cheltenham and similar conditions today should help him to go close, especially if there is market confidence.
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