Aintree day 2 tips: six horses to back on Friday

Handicappers' nap

Wellington Arch (2.20 Aintree)

Unexposed novice who was unfortunate to run into an improver on his Uttoxeter handicap debut, but showed enough to suggest he could be a step or two ahead of the handicapper despite a 3lb rise in the ratings.
Steve Mason

Wellington Arch14:20 Aintree

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Jky: Jonjo O'Neill Jr Tnr: Jonjo & A J O'Neill

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Blenkinsop (2.20 Aintree)

Henry Daly's eight-year-old was noted finishing his race off strongly last time, on his second run back from an absence, and is on his last winning mark.
Richard Russell

Blenkinsop14:20 Aintree

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Jky: Hugh Nugent (3lb)Tnr: Henry Daly

The Punt nap

Excello (4.05 Aintree)

Looked the winner before his stamina seemingly gave way late on over three miles on his return to fences at Sandown last month. He's well handicapped off an unchanged mark and Nico de Boinville is booked to do his lowest weight in 12 months.
Harry Wilson

Excello16:05 Aintree

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Jky: Nico de Boinville Tnr: Nicky Henderson

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Speed figures

Tintintin (2.20 Aintree)

Has made the frame in several 2m major handicaps and clocked career-high speed figure on latest start; hit winning form this time last year and step up in trip on fast ground should suit.
Craig Thake

Tintintin14:20 Aintree

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Jky: Jonathan Burke Tnr: Fergal O'Brien

West Country

Moon Chime (5.15 Aintree)

Smart type who bounced back to form last time. Has potential and quick ground and a fast-run two miles will suit.
James Stevens

Moon Chime17:15 Aintree

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Jky: Mr Tommie M O'Brien (3lb)Tnr: David Killahena & Graeme McPherson

Dark horse

Marble Sands (4.05 Aintree)

Potentially well treated on a mark of 143, having won a Listed race at Carlisle earlier in the season. He also finished runner-up behind Springwell Bay off a mark of 144 at Cheltenham. Comes into this race on the back of a second on the all-weather.
Sam Hardy

Marble Sands16:05 Aintree

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Jky: Kielan Woods Tnr: David Killahena & Graeme McPherson

Signposts: punting pointers for Friday's racing 

Read these next:

Paul Kealy's play of the day at Aintree 

The Punt Acca: Harry Wilson's three horse racing tips at Aintree on day two of the Grand National meeting 

'He could still be very nicely treated' - Paul Kealy's best bets on day two at Aintree after Thursday's 11-4 winner 

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