Grand National 2019: tips from Racing Post experts for day one of Aintree

North: Colin Russell

Lady Buttons (4.40 Aintree, nap)

Smart and versatile mare who suffered her first defeat of the season when a good fourth over 2m4f over hurdles at Cheltenham last month. Has an even better record over fences, and with the drop back in trip ideal and her stable remaining in cracking form, she can get back on the winning trail.

Others to follow
Aintree: 4.05 Greensalt, 5.15 Dares To Dream.
Chelmsford: 7.00 Aquarium, 7.30 Outlaw Torn, 8.00 You're Cool, 8.30 Hussar Ballad.
Southwell: 1.55 Sylviacliffs, 2.30 Battle Of Yarmouk, 3.00 Warrior's Valley, 3.35 Marble Bar, 4.15 Diamond Pursuit, 4.50 Gunnabedun, 5.30 Truckingby.

Lambourn: James Burn

La Bague Au Roi (1.45 Aintree, nap)

The decision to switch this classy mare to this race from Friday's Mildmay looks a smart one and she should take plenty of beating in receipt of 7lb against the geldings.

Others to follow
Aintree: 2.20 Pentland Hills, 3.25 Buveur D'Air, 4.40 Theinval, 5.15 Farne.
Chelmsford: 6.00 Yimkin, 7.00 Pivoine, 7.30 Arlecchino's Arc, 8.00 Captain Lars, 8.30 Marshall Aid.
Southwell: 2.30 Scat King, 4.15 Black Truffle.
Taunton: 2.40 Barbados Blue.

Racing Post Ratings: Steve Mason

Diego Du Charmil (4.40 Aintree, nap)

Has faced some tough tasks this season, but posted a career-best RPR when landing a Grade 1 novice over course and distance at this meeting last year and a bold show looks on the cards.

Topspeed: Dave Edwards

La Bague Au Roi (1.45 Aintree)

Has not put a foot wrong over fences, beat a smart field at Kempton in December and can complete a sparkling five-timer.

Longshot: Dave Revers

Dineur (4.05 Aintree)

Micky Bowen's veteran hasn't been in good form this term but comes alive at this time of the year. He also boasts form figures of 21 over the Grand National fences, including winning this in 2017, and it's worth risking he has one more big race in him before retirement, especially at a massive each-way price.

West Country: Tim Mitchell

Triple Chief (4.25 Taunton, nap)

Appreciates a right-handed circuit on decent ground and expected to come good with useful amateur Bryan Carver taking the ride.

Others to follow
Aintree: 1.45 Bags Groove, 2.20 Christopher Wood, 2.50 Clan Des Obeaux, 4.40 Diego Du Charmil, 5.15 Misty Whisky.
Taunton: 2.40 Birds Of Prey, 3.10 Eur Gone West, 3.50 Capitaine, 5.00 It's All Or Nothing, 5.35 Starsky.

Newmarket: David Milnes

Swiss Storm (7.00 Chelmsford, nap)

David Probert got on well with the tricky son of Frankel when steering him to success at Wolverhampton last time and he is expected to follow up around these tight turns.

Others to follow
Southwell: 1.55 Tanzerin, 2.30 Cape Victory, 3.00 Jack The Truth, 3.35 Gentelmen, 4.15 Falcao, 4.50 Rock In Society, 5.30 Smarter.
Chelmsford: 6.00 Diamond Oasis, 6.30 Intrepidly, 7.30 Castle Talbot, 8.00 Cowboy Soldier.

The Raceform Interactive nugget

All of the last eight winners of the Foxhunters' Chase (4.05) were aged 10 or over while three of the last four were within 3lb off top-rated. Ucello Conti, rated 145, fits the bill on both counts and he can become the fourth consecutive 11-year-old to take this prize.

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