LET’S go with the Pro to Bowl ’em over on Day One of the Grand National meeting.
I reckon it can be Fergie Time again on Merseyside this afternoon, as Sir Alex Ferguson’s ace PROTEKTORAT (2.55) goes for a second win at the meeting, having landed the Manifesto last year.
Protektorat didn’t prove his stamina when third in the Gold Cup behind A Plus Tard and we have already got evidence this tight track is absolutely what he enjoys.
Not only did he win at last year’s meeting, he also put in a startling performance in the Many Clouds Chase in December.
Dan Skelton’s runner is lightly raced this season, fresh and will take some stopping in the Betway Bowl under Dan’s little bro Harry.
The ITV coverage kicks off with the juvenile hurdle and Irish raider PIED PIPER (2.20) can lead them a merry dance.
The Triumph Hurdle third was probably just outstayed by two top class youngsters at the Festival but this sharp track should be right up his street.
Another smart Gordon Elliott runner goes in the Aintree Hurdle, but I’ll take on Zanahiyr with BREWIN’UPASTORM (3.30).
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The former Ballymore fourth has turned into a useful performer over the trip and was far from disgraced in the National Spirit at Fontwell last time.
I’ll take him to cause a small upset.
PORLOCK BAY (4.05) has not quite been in the form that took him to Cheltenham success in 2021 but he really should have each-way claims here.
My selection has been turned over at short odds in his last two starts but his defeat of Billaway at last year’s Festival is rock-solid and he jumps well.
He has decent each-way claims at decent each-way odds
In the ITV finale FRERO BANBOU (4.40) was never going the pace at Cheltenham behind Global Citizen and did really well to finish third in the Grand Annual.
I wonder whether he wasn’t quite on his A-game that day, in which case he has solid each-way claims for Venetia Williams and Charlie Deutsch.
It might not be on the telly, but there couldn’t be a more fitting winner of the bumper than ROSY REDRUM (5.15) — 49 years after her namesake took his first National.
Red Rum remains Liverpool’s greatest National hero, having landed the world’s most famous race three times and finished second on two occasions.
Rosy Redrum has a right eachway chance, too.
The Milton Harris-trained filly was a decent winner at Wincanton first time and then did well when second at Newbury.
Rosy could leave us in the pink on Day One of this great meeting
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