Aintree Placepot: Paul Kealy offers his perm for day one of the National meeting

Although there are small fields one day on the Grand National meeting at Aintree, it's pretty trappy with a lack of standout performers.

A case can be made for most of the runners in the first (1.45), but I'm full of hope that Protektorat can return to his early-season form, which gives him as good a chance as any.

Despite slight concerns over the form of the stable, I'll add Arkle runner-up Eldorado Allen. He has run well all season and is a half-brother to a 4m winner, so the extra distance may suit.

The form of Monmiral's impressive Haydock win took a boost when well-beaten third Elham Valley filled the same position in the Boodles. Monmiral looks banker material despite only two place being available in leg two (2.20).

The Bowl (2.50) is tricky as well but there are reasons to oppose all the first four in the betting, so I'll be disappointed if one of Clondaw Castle or Mister Fisher can't muscle in on the finish.

Things are so tight in the Aintree Hurdle (3.25) that you could run well and finish fifth, so this needs some more coverage.

Song For Someone is the main fancy, but Brewin'upastorm has been getting his act together since going back over hurdles and beat favourite McFabulous last time (albeit getting weight).

They are joined by Not So Sleepy, who was best of the Champion Hurdle also-rans and stays really well on the Flat, so could prove well suited to this step up in trip.

It's probably wise to play it safe in the Foxhunters' (4.05) with Cheltenham runner-up Billaway and fourth Latenightpass, the latter having proved his earlier success no fluke with an excellent run last month.

Destrier is probably the strongest fancy of the day in the final leg (4.40), but it's a 17-runner handicap so we better have one more.

If Dostal Phil can get his jumping together on this flatter track – like he did at Newbury on his chase debut – he could still prove well handicapped off a mark of 139.