Aintree Placepot picks: Paul Kealy has three bankers on Thursday's top card

Only seven go to post for Aintree's opener (1.45), but I'm happy to bank on favourite in the Placepot.

His jumping has been very good since he fell earlier in the season and he has the best form and is fresh, having swerved Cheltenham.

There will doubtless be some shocks this week, but it won't be a surprise if proves better on a Flat track than at Cheltenham and the Triumph third is very much the one to beat in the second (2.20).

Petit Tonnerre and Fautinette are the ones who interest me against him, but it's hard to see him out of the frame.

The Bowl (2.55) is an altogether tougher puzzle, but won this in a canter three years ago and arrives fresh having missed the Gold Cup. His close Savills Chase third confirms he is still capable of top-class form.

, who tried to keep tabs on Allaho in the Ryanair, but still ran well, is the second selection.

looks the more likely stayer than Epatante in the next (3.30), but I'll add as I expect he'll run a lot better than he did in this last year when half the price he is now.

To these eyes is far and away the best horse in the Foxhunters' (4.05), and although there are 24 runners, he'll be in front from the off and if he gets round it will be a surprise if he isn't placed.

I wouldn't be confident the Placepot will pay a great deal on day one, so I'll bank on him.

That just leaves the Red Rum (4.40), and I'll be disappointed if at least one of , or doesn't make the frame.

Aintree Placepot perm

1.45
4 Pic D'Orhy

2.20
7 Pied Piper

2.55
4 Eldorado Allen
6 Kemboy

3.30
4 McFabulous
6 Zanahiyr

4.05
13 Jett

4.40
2 Dolos
8 Frero Banbou
11 King D'Argent

1x1x2x2x1x3 = 12 lines

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