'His first-time-out record is 1111' - Mark Howard fancies an Aintree contender

Is the hat-trick on for Walk In The Mill in the Becher?

James Hill He’s going to be thereabouts. The handicapper should have caught up with him by now and, given it’s such an open race, I’m itching for a bit of value. Minellacelebration was well beaten in this last year, but has looked a different horse since wind surgery and there wasn’t any fluke about his 14-length romp on the Mildmay course in October. A 12lb rise will be tough, but his odds are too big.

Mark Howard Robert Walford’s ten-year-old would be the first to win three times, which would be some achievement. However, preference is for Le Breuil, who finished seventh last year. He’s 9lb lower this time, will appreciate the slow ground and is sure to have benefited from his pipe-opener at Kelso. Ben Pauling’s horses are running much better now, too.

James Knight He’s one of a number at the head of the market who have a solid chance, but I wouldn’t be falling over myself to back him at the current price. In terms of having a bet, it feels like a race to wait and back a drifter. Vieux Lion Rouge could be the sort the market will write off now, but I’ll be backing him each way if I can get bigger than 20-1.