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Aintree Festival Best Bets Thursday 11th April 2024

It`s day 1 at the 2024 Aintree Festival. We’re here to guide you through Thursday with our comprehensive Trends, Race Previews, and Best Bets.

As bookmakers unveil their most generous deals for the festival, seize the opportunity to amplify your betting game. Whether aiming to secure thousands in Free Bets or venturing into new betting realms with bookmakers you’re yet to check out.

Aintree Festival Best Bets Thursday 11th April 2024 At A Glance Tips

13:45 Aintree – Novice Chase

In the 13:45 race at Aintree on Thursday, April 11th, over a distance of 2 miles and 4 furlongs, we have the following contenders:

Ginny’s Destiny (IRE): A useful hurdler for Tom Lacey who has quickly ascended to greater heights over fences for a new yard. Completed a Cheltenham hat-trick in a 20.5-furlong handicap in January and ran another strong race when finishing runner-up to Grey Dawning at the Festival 4 weeks ago. Known for bold-jumping and front-running style, expected to be in contention.

Grey Dawning (IRE): A Grade 2 hurdle winner last season who has transitioned well to fences. Won a 21.5-furlong Haydock graduation event and a 3-mile Warwick Grade 2. Solidified status as the leading British-trained novice by defeating Ginny’s Destiny by 2 lengths at the Festival 4 weeks ago. Likely to continue improving.

Il Etait Temps (FR): Showed signs of improvement by winning the Irish Arkle at Leopardstown (17 furlongs) in February but was outclassed by stablemate Gaelic Warrior when third in the Arkle at Cheltenham (15.9 furlongs) last month. Made significant mistakes in that race. With the trip being increased, warrants respect.

Best Bet: Il Etait Temps

14:20 Aintree – Juvenile Hurdle

In the 14:20 race at Aintree on Thursday, April 11th, covering a distance of 2 miles and 1 furlong, we have the following contenders:

Kalif Du Berlais (FR): Secured a newcomers hurdle victory at Compiegne in October and has since won twice at Kempton after arriving in Britain. Showed promise in the Grade 2 Adonis last time out. Trained by connections who tasted success in this race with Monmiral in 2021.

Nurburgring (IRE): A fairly useful Flat winner who has transitioned well to hurdles, winning a Fairyhouse Grade 3 in December. Finished only a nose behind Kargese at Leopardstown over Christmas but was further behind that same rival when fourth in the Triumph. Cheekpieces added for the first time alongside a tongue tie.

Sir Gino (FR): Impressive winner of both starts in Britain, most recently securing a 17-furlong Grade 2 victory at Cheltenham by 10 lengths from Burdett Road. Was a late withdrawal from the Triumph at the Cheltenham Festival. Remains a top prospect.

Kargese (FR): Grade 3 winner in France who achieved a Grade 1 victory at the Leopardstown Dublin Racing Festival on only her second outing for the current connections. Finished second, just 1½ lengths behind Majborough, in the Triumph at Cheltenham last month. Expected to perform well for last year’s winning yard.

Best Bet: Kargese

14:55 Aintree – Grade 1 Chase

In the 14:55 race at Aintree on Thursday, April 11th, covering a distance of 3 miles and 1 furlong, we have the following contenders:

Gerri Colombe (FR): A top-class chaser who secured an impressive victory in the Grade 1 over the same course and distance 12 months ago. He has continued to enhance his form, most recently finishing a fine second behind Galopin Des Champs in last month’s Cheltenham Gold Cup. With conditions in his favour, he holds major claims for a repeat success.

Shishkin (IRE): A brilliant chaser who triumphed in this race 12 months ago. Despite a blip with a refusal to race at Ascot, he has shown his class with a controlled performance at Newbury in the Grade 2 Denman Chase. With his strong finishing ability, he remains a big player once again.

Ahoy Senor (IRE): Another top-class chaser with a notable record at Aintree, including a Grade 1 win over both hurdles and fences. While his efforts this season have been underwhelming, his past performances suggest he shouldn’t be discounted, especially returning to this venue where he finished second in this race last year.

Bravemansgame (FR): Last season’s King George hero who hasn’t quite matched that level of performance this term. Despite a fifth-place finish in the recent Gold Cup, his connections now opt for cheekpieces, indicating they are expecting an improved showing.

Corbetts Cross (IRE): Showing upward progress as both a hurdler and chaser, culminating in an impressive victory in the National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival last month. While this race demands further progress, he’s shown great potential and shouldn’t be underestimated.

Best Bet: Gerri Colombe

15:30 Aintree – Grade 1 Hurdle

In the 15:30 race at Aintree on Thursday, April 11th, covering a distance of 2 miles and 4 furlongs, we have the following contenders:

Bob Olinger (IRE): A high-class chaser who has shown his versatility by reverting to hurdles this season. He secured victories in listed company at Navan and the Grade 2 Relkeel Hurdle at Cheltenham, displaying impressive form. While unable to match State Man in the Irish Champion Hurdle, he should still put up a strong performance.

Impaire Et Passe (FR): A Grade 1 winner at both Cheltenham and Punchestown during his unbeaten novice hurdle campaign. He continued to show top form with strong performances in the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse and the Matheson Hurdle at Leopardstown this winter. Despite a below-par third in the Irish Champion Hurdle, he holds leading claims if back to his best.

Langer Dan (IRE): Showed his class with a smart performance to become the first dual winner of the Coral Cup at Cheltenham last month. While also tasting success over this course and distance in a big handicap, he will need to produce a significant career-best performance to compete at Grade 1 level.

Best Bet: Impaire Et Passe

16:05 Aintree – 2m5f Hunter Chase

In the 16:05 race at Aintree on Thursday, April 11th, covering a distance of 2 miles and 5 furlongs, we have the following contenders:

Spyglass Hill (IRE): Making his first appearance since leaving Henry De Bromhead’s yard, Spyglass Hill impressed with a comfortable victory in an 8-runner hunter chase at Haydock over 22.2 furlongs on heavy ground, going off at 9/1. While he has plenty of class, he can be prone to mistakes, so his performance over these fences will be intriguing to watch.

Time Leader (IRE): A fairly useful chaser with an impressive record in hunter chases, Time Leader completed a hat-trick in this sphere with a comfortable victory at Hereford in January. He showcased his quality with an excellent third-place finish in the Festival Challenge Cup at Cheltenham last time out, and he deserves plenty of respect in this race.

Best Bet: Spyglass Hill

16:40 Aintree – 2m Handicap Chase

In the 16:40 race at Aintree on Thursday, April 11th, covering a distance of 2 miles, we have the following contenders:

Dancing On My Own (IRE): With a commendable record in UK handicap chases, including a victory in this contest last year (off 12 lb lower), Dancing On My Own showcased his best form when winning at Cheltenham over 15.9 furlongs in October. While likely primed for this race again, challenging conditions are the worry but price is fair.

Saint Roi (FR): Despite a less-than-ideal strike rate over fences, Saint Roi has shown promise in defeat on several occasions. He finished sixth of 16 to Unexpected Party in the Grand Annual at Cheltenham last month but carries 2 lb lower in this race and should not be underestimated.

Unexpected Party (FR): Showing creditable performances against top-flight British novices in the 2022/23 season, Unexpected Party bounced back to form with a victory in the Grand Annual Chase at Cheltenham last month. Although now 8 lb higher, he is expected to mount another bold bid.

Path D’oroux (FR): While yet to secure a victory over fences, Path D’oroux has been steadily improving with each outing. His third-place finish of 16 to Unexpected Party at Cheltenham last month, especially with the aid of first-time cheekpieces, suggests he’ll be in contention once again.

Best Bet: Saint Roi and Dancing On My Own e/w

17:15 Aintree – 2m1f Grade 2 National Hunt Flat Race

Taking place at 17:15 at Aintree on Thursday, April 11th, this Grade 2 National Hunt Flat Race covers a distance of 2 miles and 1 furlong. Here are the contenders:

Baby Kate (IRE): Unbeaten in her two starts to date, Baby Kate’s impressive victory in a listed event at Cheltenham back in November highlights her potential. Although not seen since, her expert handler should have her well prepared for this race, making her a strong contender with obvious claims.

Metkayina (IRE): After shaping well when finishing third of 16 in a bumper at Galway on debut, Metkayina made an impressive start for her current yard by comfortably defeating Solid Silver at Ludlow four months ago. With potential for further improvement, she stands as a promising contender in this race.

Best Bets: Baby Kate – Metkayina e/w