Bookies take a beating as punters look forward to day two
Published:What an opening day of the Grand National meeting for punters after the seven winners returned home at SPs of 4/6, 4/6, 7/2, 3/1, 9/1, 9/4 and 16/1.
Big Buck’s set the ball rolling in the opening race of the meeting, cantering home to the delight of the Aintree crowd before Zarkander duly obliged half an hour later.
Both Big Buck’s and Zarkander were our early morning picks and after Nacarat, Baby Run and Wishfull Thinking duly obliged, we were left feeling very smug at the end of the days racing.
Denman’s performance in the Totesport Bowl was the only sour point on a day when the bookmakers were left reeling and while two of the final three races produced longer odds winners, the damage had been done earlier in the day.
Friday sees the action return to Aintree for the second day of the Grand National meeting, and while there isn’t an odds-on favourite to be found in sight, there is plenty of value to be found.
The opening race can go the way of Topolski (5/1) and Master Of The Hall can bounce back from a disappointing Cheltenham Festival to take the second at 7/2.
The feature race of the day sees Albertas Run take on Master Minded in the Melling Chase and we’re siding with 2010 winner Albertas Run to make it consecutive wins at 7/2.
From 15.40 onwards it starts to get difficult but Fine Parchment can take the mini National – otherwise known as the Topham Chase – and at 10/1 he can prove a nice little earner.
The 16.15 can go the way of Sparky May at 11/2 and Akertac can take home the spoils in the 16.50 at 14/1.
The last race is a tough one but we’re siding with Dazzling Susie in her bid for a hat-trick of wins and she is available at 16/1.
You can find an in-depth view of each of Friday’s races on news.Ladbrokes.com. New customers can sign up here for up to £60 in free bets.
