Saturday tips: Grand National picks plus other Aintree bets

Best odds: 10-1.

Act Of Authority was a big eye-catcher in the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival when last seen and, providing he is over those exertions, he should be capable of going close again on his first start over three miles.

Olly Murphy’s charge won a pair of handicap hurdles in quick succession in November and, given the manner of those victories, looked one to keep on side this season. Although he failed to score off a rating of 134 on his next two outings, they were probably prep runs for Cheltenham where he stayed on strongly from the rear of the field to produce what was arguably a career-best effort. The RaceiQ data shows he clocked the fastest FSP there, and it is not the first time he’s hinted a step up to three miles will be beneficial.Regular rider Lewis Saunders can claim 7lb this time, too, so the 5lb rise since is not a huge concern, and Wodhooh franked the form in the Hurdle on Thursday. Olly Murphy has been operating at a strike-rate of 33 per cent in the past fortnight (at the time of writing) and his former point-to-point winner should relish the step up to three miles on this ground. At the general 10-1 available, he’s worth supporting each-way.

Best odds: 16-1.

After ruling out the other contenders for various reasons, I’ve managed to narrow the shortlist down to two. 

The first selection, and main hope, is Minella Cocooner who ticks plenty of boxes here. He’s a thorough stayer having finished third in last year’s Irish Grand National before carrying a lofty weight to victory in the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown. That performance can be upgraded, too, as he was at a disadvantage being held up, and it came just 26 days after a gruelling race in testing conditions at Fairyhouse. The RaceiQ data shows he has a Jump Index Score of 7.9, and he’s never fallen. He also has a touch of class having won a Grade One as a novice hurdler plus was runner-up in the 2022 Albert Bartlett.

The nine-year-old failed to land a blow on his first three outings in Grade One company this season, but I expect that was by design, with this race his main aim all season. He then produced an improved effort in the Follow @ToteRacing On Twitter Bobbyjo Chase, and should be primed for this contest now. 

The return to spring ground is also a positive, and Willie Mullins has been in red-hot form at this week. Jonathan Burke is a top jockey, but you could argue the jockey booking is a slight negative given Danny Mullins has opted to ride Meetingofthewaters. However, I expect that was not an easy decision, and that isn’t enough to put me off Minella Cocooner. A rating of 157 should not stop him from going close based on his best performances, and a big run is expected.

Best odds: 13-2.

I Am Maximus was by far the best horse in last year’s Randox Grand National and although he arrives here off an 8lb higher mark, a repeat performance may be good enough to score again.

Whether he can show that level of form again is the biggest question mark for the nine-year-old who has produced two lacklustre performances, both at Grade One level, this season, and was forced to bypass his final prep race. However, the vibes from his connections this week have been positive, and he was not beaten that far in the Irish Gold Cup in February where he was not given the hardest time under pressure. He will bid to become the first horse since Red Rum in 1974 to carry top weight to victory, but he’s a classy performer, and Paul Townend has opted to ride him again. 

If he does produce his best, it his hard to envisage him not going close, providing he avoids trouble in running!