Let's get straight to it as we go through each race for you.
Race 1 – 12.25pm Aintree Community Programme Novices' Chase
Well, not the best of starts here. Just the two runners to go through.
At the forecast prices I'd definitely be in favour of backing 'outsider' ROBIN WATERS.
However, on the day I expect they'll be much closer in the betting and a match is no betting prospect for punters.
VERDICT – 1. Robin Waters 2. Minella Awards
Race 2 – 1.00pm EBF Stallions "National Hunt" Novices' Hurdle
A trappy little heat here, and very little form to go on. But I'll side with the in form Harry Fry stable and there runner CAPTAIN DRAKE.
The front two pulled well clear in a Towcester bumper and while that form is likely to need a boost or two he looked a horse with potential that day.
Redzor makes his debut under rules and is worth a watch in the betting for the Skelton's.
Evan Williams always has a good couple of youngsters in the stable and impressive point winner Quoi De Neuf.
VERDICT – 1. Captain Drake 2. Redzor 3. Quoi De Neuf
Race 3 – 1.35pm Pertemps Network (Supporting BTRC) Handicap Hurdle
Things get better from the third and next up is a super competitive Pertemps qualifier over hurdles.
Plenty come here off the back of a long absence and it's a guessing game as to what's fit, but one horse that goes well fresh is DREAM BERRY.
He's been campaigned in tougher races and often runs a cracker. A slightly longer trip could see further improvement needed off this mark.
Aboloitionist looks ridiculously well handicapped but the market will be key to weighing up the former Leinster National winners chance.
Hear No Evil is one of the more unexposed types and if ready to roll this looks a good opportunity to get qualified so early in the season and could go close.
VERDICT – 1. Dream Berry 2. Abolitionist 3. Hear No Evil
Race 4 – 2.10pm British Thoroughbred Retraining Centre Hurdle
A few in this were probably hoping for a slightly easier task on their reappearance but it's shaped into an interesting heat.
Some are better off at the weights than others but I'm siding with WHOLESTONE who would love a drop of rain on the day.
Uknowhatimeanharry won't need to be at his best to figure here and it's a good starting point on his road to redemptioon.
Vision Des Flos goes back over hurdles and must be in with a shout on last season's form.
VERDICT – 1. Wholestone 2. Uknowhatimeanharry 3. Vision Des Flos
Race 5 – 2.40pm Rewards4Racing Handicap Chase
It's hard to get away from those at the top of the market in this and ROMAIN DE SENAM should help get Paul Nicholls' season up and running.
He had the perfect prep run at Market Rasen and this has been the plan ever since. There's plenty of wriggle room off a mark of 138.
Hell's Kitchen still has plenty to offer in bigger and better races but is a tricky sort to get right and could well need Saturday's run.
At a big price Captain Chaos looks worth an each way token at the prices.
VERDICT – 1. Romain De Senam 2. Captain Chaos 3. Hell's Kitchen
Race 6 – 3.20pm Racing UK Handicap Chase
MERCIAN KING gets the nod in a wide open handicap. The seven-year-old races off a low weight and should be suited by this galloping track and bigger field.
His form in recent months reads well and he should prove better than his current lowly mark.
Luckofthedraw is another unexposed horse and a 7lbs rise looks generous for his win when returning at Carlisle.
Aidan Coleman's good run of form could continue with course and distance winner Theflyingportrait.
VERDICT – 1. Mercian King 2. Luckofthedraw 3. Theflyingportrait
Race 7 – 3.55pm Becher Meeting 8th December Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race
Only seven runners in the closing bumper which is a bit of a surprise. And with flat races being a bit of a lottery at this time of year any bets should be small here.
Sojourn gets the tentative nod after his fourth last season in a strong Newbury bumper.
Misty Whisky and Blazer's Mill could both be talking horses and the market will be an informative clue.
VERDICT – 1. Sojourn 2. Misty Whisky 3. Blazer's Mill
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