Ruby Walsh and Rory Delargy give their verdicts ahead of day two of the Grand National Festival

It’s here! The second day of the Grand National Festival will take place later this afternoon.

After a thrilling opening day of the festival, which saw Constitution Hill claim victory in the Aintree Hurdle, there’s plenty more action coming your way on Friday. 

The first race is set to get underway at 1.45pm with the Air Charter Services Mildmay Novices’ Steeple Chase.

In total, there will be seven races that will take place on day two of the Grand National Festival.

And, ahead of the action, Paddy Power experts Rory Delargy and Ruby Walsh give you their race-by-race predictions for the day. 

13:45 The Mildmay Novices’ Steeple Chase (Class 1) Grade 1 3m 1f

Rory Delargy: ‘Complete Unknown did well against lesser company at Kempton, last time out. But, up to Grade 1 company is a different question. 

‘The overall marker looks like it’ll be even money on Gerri Colombe. I think he looks a really solid bet. He very nearly won at Cheltenham. I think he gets back on track with a win.’

Ruby Walsh: ‘I’m going to go differently to Rory. Gerri Colombe has had four runs this season, Bronn has only had three. I think he could be the fresher horse coming here. 

‘I know they’ve met twice and Colombe has won both times, but I think Bronn will be the fresher horse and that’s who I’m going to go with.’

14:20 The William Hill Handicap Hurdle (Class 1) Grade 3

Delargy: ‘If it gets very soft, I’m going to have a small play on Jason The Militant. I wouldn’t back him unless it was softer or deeper. He was out of his depth in the Champion Hurdle. 

‘You’ve got to bare in mind, he was favourite for the Aintree Hurdle a couple years ago. Clearly he’s had an issue or two since but he’s still shown very smart form. It’s not a confident bet but, potentially, a bit of value there at a huge price.

Walsh: ‘I landed on Sonigino. Now, soft ground would be an issue for him. But I just thought, at 18/1, it’s too big a price. Sonigino for me.’ 

Campround is the favourite to have success during the William Hill Handicap Hurdle

14:55 The Top Novices’ Hurdle (Class 1) Grade 1 2m ½F ITV

Walsh: ‘I’m going to go with Found A Fifty. I think his race at Naas was a cracking race. I really like Found A Fifty. I thought he blew Parmenion out of water at Fairyhouse.’

Delargy: ‘I like Found A Fifty as well. For a horse with limited experience, I thought he did well to beat Parmenion. He then stepped up on that to be second on Corbetts Cross. I think the fact that he missed Cheltenham is a big plus. 

‘InThePocket, I’ve never quite taken to him. He ran very well in the Supreme [Novices’ Hurdle] but he didn’t threaten to win that. He came through late on to finish fourth. I’m not absolutely convinced in his attitude.’

15:30 Marsh Chase (Grade 1)

Walsh: ‘I’m going to go for a horse at a big price each way and that’s Millers Bank. He won the Manifesto here last year. It’s his second run after a wind operation. 

‘He’s 10/1 and I think it’s an open Grade 1. I think he’s always bordered on being a Grade 1 horse and he’s won a couple of Grade 1 chases because he’s been really well placed. I’m going Millers Bank.’

Delargy: ‘Fakir D’Oudairies was a bit disappointing in the Ascot Chase. He could bounce back but he doesn’t seem to be quite as good this year as he was last. So, I want to go for a real trier here. 

‘I think Fugitif has always had plenty of ability but has always been a little bit fragile as well. His second-place finishes in two of the hottest handicaps of the year at Cheltenham look really good on paper. 

‘He does need to step up again but he’s coming here off three solid performances and I think he might be able to finish the season with a flourish.’ 

Rachel Blackmore and Inthepocket are pictured together during the 2023 Cheltenham Festival

Fakir D’Oudairies has been tipped by many to have success during the Marsh Chase at Aintree

16:05 Topham Handicap Chase 

Walsh: ‘I think this is an ideal day for Burrows Saint. I thought he ran well at the Down Royal behind Longhouse Poet. 

‘Then you have Ciel De Neige – but I don’t know what his trip is. Maybe this fences could spark a bit of life into him. 

‘Which one am I going to go for? I think Burrows Saint is a wonderful jumper and I think this will really suit him.’

Delargy: ‘And I wouldn’t be at all surprised if Burrows Saint came out the best, although his form in the last couple of runs needs improving on. 

‘But I’m going to take a big swing at this, on a horse that is capable of running a really good race. And that’s Fantastikas. 

‘It’s a real shot in the dark but, off bottom weight, and for a horse who can get out in front and set a good rhythm, it might just suit him.’

16:40 Sefton Novices’ Hurdle

Walsh: ‘Stay Away Fay could well do it again. I thought he was unlucky at Doncaster, where he got caught in between two horses. 

‘But I’m going to go for an each way shout for a horse Rory has tipped on a few occasions and that is Blenkinsop.’

Delargy: ‘I do respect Blenkinsop’s chance here but I’m not going to go with him in this race. He took a little while to get his act together but when he did, he’s come alive. 

‘But I’m going to go for something safe here. I think an each way bet on Maximilian should pay off. I think his freshness should pay dividends here.’

17:15 Abersoch Land And Sea Handicap Hurdle

Walsh: ‘Gaoth Chuil will appreciate the rain that’s fallen. It’s unlikely she’ll win but she’ll run a good race.’

Delargy: ‘This is a really tough race for me to find any angle into and I wouldn’t be getting heavily involved.’

NAPS

Walsh: Best bet on Day Two is Sonigino Each Way in the second race. 

Delargy: I’ve gone for Jason the Militant – if it comes up very soft.  

Paddy Power expert Rory Delargy has suggested Fantastikas could win on day two