Esteemed tipster Steve Jones has pinpointed three standout each-way selections for Saturday's televised horse racing action on ITV, featuring a major test over the Grand National fences at Aintree.
Val Dancer Tipped for Becher Chase Glory
The feature race is the William Hill Half A Mill Becher Chase (2.40) over the iconic Grand National course at Aintree. Jones's key selection is Val Dancer, last year's impressive Welsh Grand National winner at Chepstow.
That victory marked his fifth success over fences, meaning he has now won half of his ten starts in chase events. His front-running style is considered perfectly suited to the unique demands of the Aintree circuit, and he thrives on soft, testing ground.
With rain forecast overnight and into Saturday morning, conditions at Aintree are expected to shift in his favour. Trainer Mel Rowley's strong stayer is overlooked in the betting after a below-par return at Carlisle, but he travelled well for a long way in that race before fading late. Jones advises a 2-point each-way bet at 14-1, with most bookmakers paying out on the first four places.
Cracking Rhapsody Overpriced in Aintree Hurdle
In the following race on the Aintree card, the 3.15 contest, Jones believes Cracking Rhapsody represents significant value. This horse notably finished ahead of subsequent Breeders' Cup winner Ethical Diamond when winning the Scottish Champion Hurdle at Ayr in May.
While that form line should be viewed cautiously, his defeat of the well-regarded Kabral Du Mathan that day was a high-class effort. His recent comeback run in the Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham three weeks ago was always likely to bring him on fitness-wise.
The step up in trip to 2m4f is an intriguing move for the Ewan Whillans-trained runner, who remains fairly treated by the handicapper after a three-win season last term. Jones recommends a 1-point each-way wager at 16-1, with Sky Bet among the firms offering four places.
Chepstow's Best Bet: Makin'yourmindup
Shifting focus to Chepstow, Jones has identified Makin'yourmindup (1.36) as the best bet of the day. The Paul Nicholls-trained runner missed the entirety of last season, but his absence is not a major concern given the prowess of his champion trainer.
When last seen 20 months ago, he was showing significant promise as a novice chaser with clear potential to develop into a high-class staying chaser. There is a strong chance he can return to that level of form, and any further rainfall will only aid his cause. The assistance of useful conditional jockey Jay Tidball, who takes a valuable 5lbs off his back, is a further positive. Jones suggests a 1-point each-way bet at 8-1.
