Aintree tips: one key runner from each of the five races on ITV on Thursday

ITV will be broadcasting five live races from the 2021 Grand National meeting at Aintree on Thursday. The action on day one features some high-class names, notably Tiger Roll, Buveur D'Air and Native River, and we've got you covered for the day's terrestrial TV coverage.

Aintree Thursday: ITV Racing tips

Our Spotlight experts select their best bets for the opening day of the Grand National festival

Doom Bar Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle, Grade 1, 2m1f

Paul Nicholls deliberately avoided the temptation of the Cheltenham Festival with the high-class Monmiral in favour of this contest and he bids to extend his unbeaten record to four on his first try at Grade 1 level. His main rival is already a top-level winner in Adagio, who heads to Merseyside after finishing a fine second in the Triumph Hurdle at Prestbury Park last month.

SPOTLIGHT TIP: MONMIRAL

Unbeaten four-year-old; impressive in the old Victor Ludorum at Haydock last time; greatly respected

What chance the Paul Nicholls acca? We assess his Grade 1 runners on Thursday

Betway Bowl Chase, Grade 1, 3m1f

Like Monmiral, Clan Des Obeaux has had Aintree rather than Cheltenham as his major spring target, and the dual King George hero bids for his first victory since landing the Kempton showpiece in December 2019. He faces two high-class rivals in 2018 Gold Cup winner Native River and dual Grand National hero Tiger Roll, who comes here instead of bidding for a historic third victory in Saturday's race.

SPOTLIGHT TIP: MISTER FISHER

Jumping went to pieces in Ryanair (pulled-up) but he's of interest given Peterborough Chase win

Betway Aintree Hurdle, Grade 1, 2m4f

Remarkably the top six in the betting all contend this race off the same rating, with Champion Hurdle faller Abacadabras bidding for redemption following his mishap. He is joined by Jason The Militant from Ireland, while the British team includes the likes of McFabulous, Brewin'upastorm, Song For Someone and dual Champion Hurdle hero Buveur D'Air.

SPOTLIGHT TIP: JASON THE MILITANT

Going the right way over 2m and likely to stay 2m4f on this flat track; major contender

Aintree tips: five horses to back on day one of the Grand National meeting

Rose Paterson Randox Foxhunters' Open Hunters' Chase, 2m5f

The first race of the week over the famous Grand National fences, the amateur jockeys get their time in the spotlight and Billaway is the favourite to provide Patrick Mullins with a first victory in the race. The Paul Nicholls-trained duo Cat Tiger and Sametegal also feature prominently in the betting while Sam Waley-Cohen bids for a record fourth success aboard Dashing Perk.

SPOTLIGHT TIP: BILLAWAY

Second at Cheltenham for the past two years; the one to beat if he handles Aintree

Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Chase, Grade 3, 2m

Once again a fiercely competitive field has assembled for this race, and Destrier bids to add another winner to Harry Skelton's jockeys' championship title challenge. Getaway Trump is a class act when he wants to be and has the chance for the biggest victory of his career while 2019 winner Moon Over Germany and On The Slopes also line up in a deep contest.

SPOTLIGHT TIP: FRERO BANBOU

Very easy winner at Sandown last month (first run since wind surgery); has more to offer

The best bookmaker offers for day one of the Grand National meeting

• Not got a Sky Bet account? You can get free bets for Aintree so sign up here
• Get a free bet for every race at Aintree today by signing up for a new 888 account. Full details here
• Paddy Power are giving away free bets for Aintree, all you need is an account. Sign up here
• To get a free bet from Ladbrokes today sign up for a new account here
• Get ready for Aintree with some free bets from Coral for new customers. Full details here
• View all the promotions that bet365 have for the Grand National festival here, including a welcome offer for new customers
• New William Hill customers can claim free bets as well as benefit from their money back offers here
• Tote has a special welcome offer just for Aintree for new customer. Find out the full details here

Best ITV Racing free bets

New Sky Bet customers can get £20 in free bets when they place a £5 bet. First single & EW bet only. Odds of 1-1 or greater. 2x £/10 bet tokens. Free bet stakes not included in returns. Free bets are non withdrawable. No free bet expiry. Eligibility restrictions. Full T&Cs here. 18+.

ITV7 tips and predictions

The ITV7 competition is back and is completely free to play, with a potential £50,000 up for grabs. Users will need a Sky Bet account to enter, so if you don't already have an account sign up using this link and take advantage of the free bet offer.

Race 1, 2.20 AINTREE: MONMIRAL
Race 2, 2.30 TAUNTON: EVA'S DIVA
Race 3, 2.50 AINTREE: MISTER FISHER
Race 4, 3.05 TAUNTON: LETSBE AVENUE
Race 5, 3.25 AINTREE: JASON THE MILITANT
Race 6, 4.05 AINTREE: BILLAWAY
Race 7, 4.40 AINTREE: FRERO BANBUE

Check out the Racing Post Grand National microsite for the latest tips and odds for the big race. The best Grand National betting advice and exclusive free betting offers all in one place.

Read more day one previews for Aintree:

1.45: Fusil Raffles bids to pay big compliment to stablemate Chantry House

2.20: can Nicholls' new approach pay off or will Cheltenham form hold sway again?

2.50: Tiger Roll has 'no chance whatsoever' on Aintree return – Eddie O'Leary

Find out why our three experts are against Tiger Roll in the Bowl at Aintree

3.25: classy Abacadabras on the comeback trail after Champion Hurdle fall

For all our exclusive free bet offers and must-have daily promotions click the free bets button or go to racingpost.com/freebets