13:45 GASKELLS HANDICAP HURDLE (GRADE 3) 3M 149Y

There’s nothing like starting Grand National day with a complete flier, and I am pinning my trust in Simon West producing the once-smart Maximiser at the top of his game after almost two years off the track. It’s encouraging that connections are persevering with this 11-year-old and he’s reportedly had wind surgery since finishing fourth in a listed contest at Auteuil in June 2017.

He looked potentially top-class as a younger horse, but has always been delicate and has raced only eight times over obstacles in his life. It would be hard to understand him being brought back at his age if he wasn’t showing the right signs at home, and he’s worth chancing at a general 66/1 carrying bottom weight.

14:25 BETWAY MERSEY NOVICES’ HURDLE (GRADE 1) 2M 4F

Brewin’upastorm travelled really well in the Ballymore at Cheltenham, but just failed to stay the trip on a stiff track. This is not only a furlong shorter, but the sharp bends should enable him to get a breather before launching his challenge, and he remains a most exciting prospect, particularly when launched over fences by his talented young handler.

This is an easier race than the Ballymore, with the possible exception of Angel’s Breath, who is an intriguing runner up in trip having disappointed after a less-than-ideal preparation for the Supreme. He is rightly feared, but I retain faith in the selection.

15:00 DOOM BAR MAGHULL NOVICES’ CHASE (GRADE 1) 1M 7F 176Y

I was very sweet on the chances of Us And Them in last month’s Arkle Trophy at Cheltenham, so it was galling to see him badly compromised by the false start, and the prominent racer found himself dead last coming out of the first fence. From there he did wonders to work his way into second place, and while the winner was impressive, Joseph O’Brien’s charge was unlucky not to finish much closer.

He should be able to race handily this time, will be suited by the track, and appeals as excellent value at a top price of 11/4.

Destrier is an interesting alternative at a double-figure price having won small prizes at Southwell and Ayr in impressive style. He seems better than the handicapper gives him credit for, and could spring a surprise if handling the rise in class.

15:40 RYANAIR STAYERS HURDLE (LIVERPOOL) (GRADE 1) 3M 149Y

Defeat for Apple’s Jade at Cheltenham was a bitter pill to swallow, and it was obvious something wasn’t right, and indeed she scoped dirty after that flop. She is an absolute standout on form, but for the life of me, I can’t understand why connections have chosen this over the Aintree Hurdle, where she could have won bragging rights over Buveur D’Air.

The fact that Supasundae, who she has absolutely slaughtered twice this season, could win merely underlines what a missed opportunity that was. Perhaps the choice of this race betrays a lack of confidence by connections, looking for the softest option, and her win over two miles at Leopardstown in the Irish Champion shows that she doesn’t need a slog at this trip to show her form.

There are certainly no qualms about the track, as she destroyed a field of top-class juveniles here three years ago, winning by an official margin of 41 lengths which looked more if anything.

She had been scintillating this season until her unfortunate reverse last month, and it seems folly to oppose her at 2/1 or bigger.

16:20 BETWAY HANDICAP CHASE (GRADE 3) 3M 210Y

Debece is well worth waiting for, and the half-brother to Don Poli, who was an excellent third in the Grade 1 Sefton Novices’ Hurdle at this meeting in 2017, has long given the impression he would be an even better chaser.

He has been quietly building up a solid record over fences, winning at Newcastle and Catterick while avoiding more obvious targets.

He has been handed a lenient looking mark of 141 as a result, which is equivalent to his hurdles mark. Given his pedigree and physique, it would be a surprise if he didn’t turn out to be better over fences, and he should be backed accordingly.

RECOMMENDED

MAXIMISER 1:45 Aintree – 0.5pts e/w @ 66/1 (general)

BREWIN’UPASTORM 2:25 Aintree – 2pts win @ 11/4 (general)

US AND THEM 3:00 Aintree – 2pts win @ 11/4 (SkyBet, BlackType)

DEBECE 4:20 Aintree – 1pt e/w @ 13/2 (general)

RAMSES DE TEILLEE 5:15 Aintree – 1pt e/w @ 25/1 (Hills)