Aintree day two tips: five horses to back on Friday

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Handicappers' nap

Act Of Authority (1.45 Aintree)

Didn't convince when tried over 3m at this meeting last year, but is on a decent mark and has plenty of solid form at today's trip, most recently when again running well in the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham.
Steve Mason

Act Of Authority13:45 Aintree

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Jky: Lewis Saunders (5lb)Tnr: Olly Murphy

The Punt nap

Heart Wood (Aintree 3.30)

Should be very hard to beat if he reproduces the career-best performance that saw him win the Ryanair Chase by ten lengths last month. He looks better suited to this trip than market rival Grey Dawning.  
Oliver Barnard

Heart Wood15:30 Aintree

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Jky: Darragh O'Keeffe Tnr: Henry De Bromhead

Eyecatcher

Zeus Power (4.40 Aintree)

Joseph O’Brien’s gelding had little go right in Cheltenham’s Turners last month, so to see him fly up the hill to grab third was extraordinary. He’s improving quickly and this new trip may even unlock more.
Richard Russell

Zeus Power16:40 Aintree

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Jky: J J Slevin Tnr: Joseph Patrick O'Brien

Speed figures

Wandering Ego (5.15 Aintree)

Progressive novice who clocked his best time in a hot event at Kempton behind Old Park Star. Also ran well off this mark in a competitive handicap at Kempton and can go close here.
Craig Thake

Wandering Ego17:15 Aintree

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Jky: Lewis Saunders Tnr: Olly Murphy

Dark horse

Bill Baxter (4.05 Aintree)

A winner of this race in 2023, he comes here after a nice prep run at Kelso, where he finished second to a useful novice. It's his second start after a wind op, and he could be back to his best.
Liam Watson

Bill Baxter16:05 Aintree

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Jky: Sam Twiston-Davies Tnr: Warren Greatrex

Signposts: punting pointers for Friday's racing 

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