Grand National festival tips: Friday's best bets from Racing Post experts

Day two of the Grand National festival at Aintree is here – but who do our top tipsters fancy most?

Saint Calvados

By Tom Segal

Race: Marsh Chase (3.30 Aintree)

Odds: 8-1

I'm of the strong opinion that Saint Calvados is better left-handed – that was always the feeling when he was a novice chaser – and his four most recent runs have been at Kempton, Sandown and Ascot, which are all right-handed. Furthermore, he has run his best races at around 2m4f and he comes into this race a relatively fresh horse.

Politesse

By Robbie Wilders

Race: 20 Years Together, Alder Hey & Aintree Handicap Hurdle (1.45 Aintree)

Odds: 16-1

This mare runs for the first time since October but has an excellent record fresh. Politesse seems to come alive in the spring and her trainer, Lorna Fowler, has fared well in her three British raids without yet breaking her duck. This lightly raced eight-year-old looks a little underestimated in the betting on her handicap debut in the 2m4f contest.

Mister Coffey

By Paul Kealy

Race:

Odds: 7-1

He's not a banker in the traditional sense but if I can get away with not putting up something at really short odds I will and with bookmakers offering extra places Mister Coffey looks a cracking each-way bet.

He was only just outstayed in the Kim Muir last time but it's worth recalling he was very nearly brought down early on. This quirky sort has loads of talent and it would be no surprise if he really enjoys himself on this track.

Friday's Aintree previews:

2.20 Aintree: Jonbon 'the one to beat' as Nicky Henderson bids for record sixth Top Novices'

2.55 Aintree: It's a clash we've been waiting on for ages' - get ready for novice thriller

3.30 Aintree: Joseph O'Brien bullish as Fakir D'Oudairies bids for back-to-back Marsh Chases

4.05 Aintree: Can Mister Coffey pay off a 'mad idea'? Expert analysis and quotes on the Topham

4.40: Can Banbridge follow recent Martin Pipe winners and prove another Grade 1 horse?

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