By Andrew Atkinson
Nicky Henderson trained Jonbon (2.20) is tipped by fromthehorsesmouth.info to land the Grade One Betway Top Novices’ Hurdle over 2 miles at Aintree on Friday.
Six-year-old Jonbon, ridden by Aidan Coleman, who carries 11st 4lbs, finished behind stablemate Constitution Hill at the Cheltenham Festival in March in the Supreme Novices Hurdle.
Jockey Coleman said: “He ran really well at Cheltenham, we were delighted with that. Constitution Hill looks pretty special, doesn’t he?.
“So we were delighted. He was unbeaten and he beat the rest in the race fair and square.
“He had a very good season leading up to that, we’re hoping for a good run in another competitive race on Friday.
“It looks a very difficult contest in its own right, but Jonbon has had a great season and we’re hoping he can put up another good show again. It’s what he’s done all year.”
Henderson said: “He would get two and a half comfortably in our opinion, but he has the speed for two miles.
“He beat the rest of the field fair and square in the Supreme. You’d hope with no Constitution Hill, Jonbon would be the one to beat. The better the ground, the better he will be.”
Paul Nicholls saddles Bravemansgame (2.55) tipped to win the Grade One Betway Mildmay Novices’ Chase over 3 miles, under Harry Cobden.
Ahoy Senor, trained by Lucinda Russell, under Derek Fox, has been outstanding this season and could pose the biggest threat to Bravemansgame, who notably missed the Cheltenham Festival to have a crack at the Betway Mildmay Novices’ Chase.
Joseph O’Brien saddles Fakir D’Oudairies (3.30) tipped to land the Grade One Marsh Chase over 2 miles 3 furlongs in the colours of JP McManus.
Allmankind, trained by Dan Skelton and ridden by Harry Skelton, Henry de Bromhead trained Captain Guinness under Rachael Blackmore, and Editeur du Gite trained by Gary Moore and ridden by Joshua Moore, are amongst noted runners.
Fakir D’Oudairies was impressive at Ascot last time out in February when winning a Grade 1 under Mark Walsh. Captain Guinness worthy of each-way support.
O’Brien said: “Fakir has a great chance – hopefully. It’s a tough, competitive race, but he likes the course and distance.
“He ran very well in it last year and we’re excited to be going there again.”
Nicky Henderson trained Mister Coffey (4.05) goes to post in the Grade 3 Randox Topham Handicap Chase over 2 miles 5 furlongs, tipped each-way with Nico de Boinville up. Senior Citizen is also worthy of each-way support.
Banbridge (4.40) is tipped to win the Grade One Cavani Menswear Sefton Novices’ Hurdle over 3 miles. Richmond Lake (5.15) is tipped each-way in the Park Palace Ponies Handicap Hurdle (Conditional Jockeys’ and Amateur Riders) over 2 miles.
AINTREE fromthehorsesmouth.info selections: 1.45 Speech Bubble each-way. 2.20 Jonbon. 2.55 Bravemansgame. 3.30 Fakir D’Oudairies. 4.05
Senior Citizen (each-way). Mister Coffey (each-way).
4.40 Banbridge.
5.15 Richmond Lake (each-way).
