Steve Jones' Expert Each Way Tips for Grand National Friday on ITV
Our each way racing specialist, Steve Jones, has unveiled his top three selections for the second day of the Grand National Festival at Aintree, broadcast live on ITV. His picks include a standout contender in the Topham Chase over the iconic Grand National fences, offering valuable insights for punters seeking value bets.
Take it Easy for the Randox Topham Chase
The Randox Topham Chase, a 2m5f handicap over the famous Grand National obstacles, often rewards horses that can race prominently and jump fluently. Steve Jones highlights COMING UP EASY (4.05) as a prime candidate. This Irish raider excelled over fences last year, securing a hat-trick of victories once ground conditions improved from winter's harshness.
His slick jumping and front-running style were evident in a convincing win in a Listed handicap chase at Killarney in August. Since then, he has only raced once, being pulled up in the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham. However, Jones notes this was not a poor performance; the horse was competitive until a misjudged jump at the third-last fence, caused by taking off unexpectedly, ended his chances.
With an excellent record when fresh, Jones recommends a 1pt each-way bet at 14-1, with Sky Bet offering payouts on seven places.
Melon in the Debenhams Handicap Hurdle
Cheshire trainers Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero, who have strong Grand National contenders, also field MELON (5.15) in the Debenhams Handicap Hurdle. After transitioning from the Flat to hurdles last season, Melon won two of four starts and has shown significant form improvement this term.
His third-place finish behind Fortune De Mer at Cheltenham in December was a solid start, though subsequent races did not suit his running style. The anticipated strong pace in this race, limited to conditional and amateur riders, should play to his strengths. Jones advises a 1pt each-way bet at 18-1, with several bookmakers providing six places.
Swindon Village in the William Hill Handicap Hurdle
Earlier on the card, SWINDON VILLAGE (1.45) is worth backing in the William Hill Handicap Hurdle. Trained by Charlie Longsdon, this runner performed better than his final position suggests in the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham, where he was tailed off.
He was in contention until hitting the second-last hurdle, with stamina fading in the closing stages. The return to 2m4f is expected to suit him much better. Jones suggests a 1pt each-way bet at 28-1, with a couple of bookies offering six places.
These tips provide a strategic approach for bettors looking to capitalize on each way opportunities during the Grand National Festival, combining form analysis and race dynamics for optimal value.
