The Punt Daily: Tom Collins with three to follow at Aintree

GOOD THING

Finian's Oscar(1.45 Aintree)

Only six go to post for this Grade 1 Manifesto Novices' Chase but it's a competitive heat. However, Colin Tizzard does well at this meeting and his Finian's Oscar, who finished fifth in the JLT at Cheltenham, can provide the trainer with another winner. He ran well for a long way at the festival, but a mistake three out hurt his chances and he can be marked up for his effort. That was his first run after a wind op, which suggests further improvement could come, and this is an easier assignment. He won here last year and can enter the winner's enclosure again at the expense of Brain Power.

EYECATCHER

L'Ami Serge (3.25 Aintree)

Nicky Henderson's enigmatic eight-year-old was quietly fancied to land the stayers' hurdle at the Cheltenham festival, but the race wasn't run to suit at all – steady pace throughout before a burn up at the end – and, although he was beaten eight lengths, he travelled well for a long way and just failed to quicken as fast as the first two home. One of those that beat him was Supasundae, who is the favourite for this Aintree Hurdle, but he's a speed horse and a tougher test would ask different questions of Jessica Harrington's runner. L'Ami Serge is tough to win with, but he looks sure to trade lower than his current price in running and a place looks certain, at worst.

DARK HORSE

Grand Vision (4.05 Aintree)

Colin Tizzard's dashing grey 12-year-old is still very lightly raced for his age with just 26 starts and is a fantastic jumper – a necessary trait to tackle the National fences in this Foxhunters contest. Having won well in a 2m4f Wincanton chase in February, he ran a game sixth at the Cheltenham festival despite making a couple of uncharacteristic jumping errors up the straight and the booking of Jamie Codd for this test looks key. The winner that day, Pacha Du Polder, bypasses Aintree, so his task is made easier. He'll appreciate the drop back to this distance and looks sure to go close.

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