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Aintree Grand National Festival Day 1: Expert Racing Tips and Best Bets
Horse racing correspondent Jonathan Doidge has identified four horses he believes are worth backing on the opening day of the 2026 Grand National Festival at Aintree. With a thrilling day of racing ahead, here are his detailed tips and the latest odds from leading betting sites.
Thursday's Aintree Tips
- Selma De Vary (Aintree, 13.45) – 1pt win @ 11/4 (Bet365)
- Jango Baie (Aintree, 14.55) – 1pt win @ 11/10 (William Hill)
- Brighterdaysahead (Aintree, 16.05) – 3pts win @ 9/4 (PricedUp)
- Jasko Des Dammes (Aintree, 16.40) – 1pt each-way @ 12/1 (Betfred)
Super Selma Can Claim Aintree Opener
This race marks a fantastic start to the meeting, featuring the second, third, and fourth-place finishers from last month's Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham. Doidge backed Minella Study that day, who performed excellently under Ryan Mania, finishing just behind the big-priced Willie Mullins-trained winner Apolon De Charnie and Maestro Conti (Dan Skelton), who edged him out by a short head.
There is minimal separation between these contenders and the fourth-place finisher, Selma De Vary. However, the selection was hampered at a critical stage, requiring a switch, before powering up the hill impressively. With fewer runners in this Aintree race, the filly should have the opportunity to fully showcase her abilities and potentially deliver a strong start for backers.
Jango Set for Bowl Compensation
A small field is typical for this post-Gold Cup contest, and it appears to be a compensation mission for Jango Baie. Nicky Henderson's seven-year-old was only beaten by the impressive winner Gaelic Warrior in the Gold Cup. If that effort hasn't diminished his edge, he looks the standout horse in this field and is priced accordingly on betting apps.
Conditions will suit him, and he has never finished outside the top three in three previous starts at Aintree. While he was defeated by the reopposing Impaire Et Passe in last year's Manifesto Novices' Chase here, he has shown greater improvement since then. The field is strong but select, including Protektorat, Spillane's Tower, and Pic d'Orhy.
Brighterdaysahead a Cut Above Aintree Hurdle Rivals
This post-Cheltenham Grade 1 race presents another intriguing contest, with 2025 Champion Hurdle winner Golden Ace, this year's third in the Blue Riband hurdling event The New Lion, the improving Alexei (who finished behind The New Lion at Cheltenham), and the talented El Fabiolo all in the mix.
Then there's Brighterdaysahead, who won the Grade 1 Mersey Novices' Hurdle over course and distance in 2024, her only previous visit here. On her day, she is exceptionally good, and her best form over hurdles surpasses the rest of the field if she can reproduce it.
The Gordon Elliott-trained mare seems better suited to Aintree or flatter tracks than Cheltenham and handles various ground conditions. With watering maintaining good to soft ground, she should be fine. Doidge backs her to gain compensation for her second-place finish to Lossiemouth last month and believes she still has untapped potential over this longer trip.
Jasko a Value Runner in Penultimate Race
Sans Bruit aims for a hat-trick of wins in this race and, based on the strength of those performances and his general spring form, looks likely to deliver another huge effort from a mark just 3lb higher than last year's victory.
The two JP McManus-owned runners, Hercule Du Seuil and Petit Tonnerre, warrant attention on horse racing betting sites. The former won a Grade 3 last spring and is now 4lb lower, while the latter also won over a similar trip at last year's Punchestown Festival and is just 3lb higher. A market move for either could be significant.
However, Jasko Des Dammes also represents potential value. Still only seven, Henry de Bromhead's gelding has improved this season and ran brilliantly in the hustle and bustle of the Grand Annual at Cheltenham, leading two out before fading on the hill.
He is available at double-figure prices on Grand National betting sites and can be backed each-way. This flatter, sharper track should suit him, and his stamina beyond two miles suggests he won't be stopping down the home run, potentially running the sting out of finishers in the country.
Free Grand National Bets
Virgin Bet is offering money back on selected races throughout the Grand National Festival. On opening day, punters can get their stake back as a free bet if their selection doesn't win the 13.45 at Aintree. Simply place a bet on the race—for which Doidge recommends Selma De Vary—and if your selection loses, Virgin Bet will refund all losing stakes in free bets. The maximum free bet varies per customer, so check terms before betting. Free bets are credited within 24 hours and expire after seven days.
Responsible Gambling Advice
If you're betting on day 1 of the Grand National Festival, it's crucial to practice responsible gambling. Betting can be addictive, so always stay in control, whether using online bookmakers, casino sites, slot sites, bingo sites, or other platforms. Never view gambling as a way to make money, never bet more than you can afford, and stop when the fun ends.
Gambling sites offer tools like deposit limits, profit and loss trackers, and self-exclusion options to help maintain control. Avoid getting carried away by free bets or casino bonuses, which are widely available. If you need help or advice on gambling addiction, contact charities such as the NHS Help, GamCare, or Gamblers Anonymous.
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