Newsboy's Expert Selections for Aintree's Grand National Festival
As the Grand National Festival at Aintree approaches, racing enthusiasts eagerly anticipate a thrilling series of contests. Newsboy provides detailed analysis and predictions for key races, highlighting standout performers from recent events at Cheltenham and beyond.
1.40 Maestro Conti to Shine Again After Triumph Hurdle Performance
Maestro Conti emerges as the top pick among the quintet that contested the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham last month. With De Charnie absent after a stunning 50-1 victory on Gold Cup Day, the focus shifts to Maestro Conti, Minella Study, and Selma De Vary. In the Triumph Hurdle, Maestro Conti secured second place by a short head over Minella Study, with Selma De Vary finishing a length and three-quarters behind in third. Wolf Rayet and Indian River placed eighth and tenth, respectively.
Prior to that defeat, the French-bred Maestro Conti showcased his talent with a win at Moulins in France, followed by a commanding nine-and-a-half-length debut victory for trainers Dan and Harry Skelton at Kempton Park over Christmas. He further demonstrated his class with a two-length triumph over One Horse Town in a Grade 2 juvenile test on Cheltenham's Trials Day in January. His strong travelling ability and resilience when challenged make him a formidable contender here.
Newsboy's Prediction: Maestro Conti is expected to lead, with Minella Study and Selma De Vary as strong podium candidates, ahead of Mange Tout and Winston Junior.
2.20 Koktail Divin Poised to Challenge Hot Favourite Lulamba
Koktail Divin is anticipated to excel back at two and a half miles, posing a significant threat to hot favourite Lulamba. Trainer Henry de Bromhead's decision to enter the six-year-old in the Grade 1 Brown Advisory Novices' Chase at Cheltenham, rather than the Jack Richards Novices' Handicap Chase, raised eyebrows. Ultimately, the three-mile, one-furlong distance proved challenging, resulting in a sixth-place finish behind Kitzbuhel.
However, on his previous start, Koktail Divin delivered an impressive 21-length victory in a beginners' chase at Leopardstown over Christmas, making all the running. Jockey Darragh O'Keeffe's mount is expected to benefit from the intermediate distance and could be hard to catch if he adopts a forward strategy. Lulamba, meanwhile, appears ready for a step up in distance after a one-paced third in the two-mile Arkle Challenge Trophy, where he hampered his chances by breasting the second-last fence. Mambonumberfive, who skipped Cheltenham after a defeat at Warwick, rounds out the podium contenders.
Newsboy's Prediction: Koktail Divin to edge out Lulamba, with Mambonumberfive taking third.
2.55 Protektorat Offers Value Against Hotpot Jango Baie
Despite his advancing years, Protektorat remains a competitive force and represents excellent value against favourite Jango Baie. Trainer Dan Skelton opted to bypass the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham, which Protektorat won two years ago, in favour of the Premier Chase at Kelso in late February. The 11-year-old, sent off at 1-12, survived a significant error at the penultimate fence to win by eight and a half lengths over Minella Drama.
This victory added £35,236 to his earnings, following a £85,849.50 prize from the Fleur de Lys Chase at Windsor the previous month. The three-mile, one-furlong trip should suit Protektorat, who won the Grade 2 Many Clouds Chase over the same course and distance by 25 lengths in December 2021. Jango Baie, also 11, has shown form over longer distances with a close fourth in the King George VI Chase and a second in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, making him a serious threat. Pic D'Orhy is tipped to challenge Impaire Et Passe and Spillane's Tower for the final podium spot.
Newsboy's Prediction: Protektorat to prevail over Jango Baie, with Pic D'Orhy in third.
3.30 Gracchus De Balme Aims to Defend Foxhunters' Crown
Gracchus De Balme, last year's 22-1 shock winner, should not be underestimated in his title defence. Many punters overlooked him twelve months ago due to a disappointing pulled-up performance at Leicester, but he silenced critics with a one-length victory over Jet Plane. A similar scenario unfolded this year after he was pulled up in Cheltenham's Princess Royal Challenge Cup Hunters' Chase, won by stablemate Barton Snow.
However, the two-mile, five-furlong hunter chase over the Grand National fences often favours specialists, with four horses achieving multiple wins in the past 50 years. Jockey Pa King, who won the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup three years ago, adds to his credentials. Music Drive, Unexpected Party, and Thunder Rock are also in contention for podium places.
Newsboy's Prediction: Gracchus De Balme to repeat his success, with Its On The Line and Unexpected Party following.
4.05 Alexei Seeks Maiden Grade 1 Success
Alexei is tipped to cap a stellar campaign with his first Grade 1 victory. Starting with a second in Chepstow's 'Welsh Champion' Handicap Hurdle in October, he improved to a three-length win over Indemnity at Ascot the following month. Defying a 7lb weight rise, he then thumped Helnwein by six lengths in the Greatwood Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham.
After a setback at Ascot before Christmas, Alexei bounced back with a win in the Grade 2 Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton in February, setting up a tilt at the Champion Hurdle. There, he finished fourth behind Lossiemouth, but a mistake at the final flight cost him a podium place. With more to offer, he faces strong competition from Brighterdaysahead, The New Lion, and Grade 1 winner Potters Charm.
Newsboy's Prediction: Alexei to secure victory, with The New Lion and Potters Charm completing the top three.
4.40 Ryan's Rocket Poised for Handicap Chase Comeback
Ryan's Rocket, trained by Fergal O'Brien, is favoured to get his career back on track from an attractive handicap mark of 132. Despite unseating jockey Johnny Burke in two of his last four starts, the eight-year-old has shown potential, notably with a late surge to beat Javert Allen by two and a quarter lengths in a big-money handicap chase at Newbury in November.
As the 7-4 favourite for the Desert Orchid Handicap Chase at Kempton Park, a mistake five fences from home ended his challenge, but he was travelling well at the time. A return to the minimum trip is expected to suit him better after struggling over two and a half miles last time. Sans Bruit, winner of the last two runnings, Highlands Legacy, Stencil, and Petit Tonnerre are also in the mix.
Newsboy's Prediction: Ryan's Rocket to win, with Sans Bruit and Petit Tonnerre following.
5.15 Princess Day Tipped to Maintain Unbeaten Record
Princess Day, a grey daughter of Success Days, has impressed in her early career and merits her position as market leader. After a three-length point-to-point win at Fairyhouse in April last year, she was purchased for €170,000 and joined Jeremy Scott's yard. Under Rules, she debuted with a two-length victory over The Lightmaker at Chepstow in December, followed by a comfortable four and three-quarter-length win over Fairy Park at Newbury in February.
Jockey Lorcan Williams' mount appears to have untapped potential, making her well-suited to the step up to Grade 2 level. Emerald Quest, who won impressively at Huntingdon after a 570-day absence, along with Ti'mamzel and Martini Majesty, are expected to challenge.
Newsboy's Prediction: Princess Day to remain unbeaten, with Emerald Quest and Ti'mamzel rounding out the podium.
