One trainer, one jockey, one horse and one race to watch on Thursday

Trainer

The Randox Health Grand National festival will be crucial for Paul Nicholls, who will be hoping to maintain his lead in the trainers' championship. The ten-time champion is enjoying a fabulous run of form and isn't short of ammunition on day one.

Paul Nicholls with King George hero Clan Des ObeauxCredit: Alex Davidson

It is interesting he has chosen to roll the dice with Christopher Wood in a compelling Doom Bar Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle (2.20), while King George winner Clan Des Obeaux bids to bounce back from his Gold Cup defeat in the Betway Bowl (2.50).

The rock-solid veteran Wonderful Charm is his sole representative in the Foxhunters' (4.05), and Diego Du Charmil and Brelan D'As both have claims in the Red Rum Handicap Chase (4.40).

Jockey

Jonathan Burke is an underrated jockey, so it is great to see him being entrusted with some top-class horses lately.

He has an intriguing book of rides, starting with Glen Forsa, who goes in the opening Manifesto Novices' Chase (1.45) after making an uncharacteristic mistake when unseating Burke in the Arkle last time.

Glen Forsa (left) and Kalashnikov (right) reoppose at AintreeCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

Another horse on a comeback mission is last year's Supreme Novices' Hurdle winner Summerville Boy, who returns from injury in the devilishly tough Aintree Hurdle (3.25). It will be a big ask, but we have yet to see the best of him and a positive showing is possible.

Horse

La Bague Au Roi: will bid to maintain her unbeaten record over fencesCredit: Edward Whitaker

It has to be the wonderful mare La Bague Au Roi. Trainer Warren Greatrex has done a great job with the eight-year-old this season, proving that the Cheltenham Festival isn't the be all and end all, and she is unbeaten over fences.

Champion jockey Richard Johnson and the dual Grade 1 winner are a brilliant partnership and the fan favourites take to the stage in the Manifesto Novices' Chase (1.45), where they will drop back to 2m4f.

The bold-jumping front-runner may face pace pressure from the aforementioned Glen Forsa, but she has heart and stamina in abundance and should be suited by the demands of the track considering she won a bumper here.

Race

There is no Apple's Jade, Samcro or Benie Des Dieux, but the Aintree Hurdle (3.25) is still an absolute humdinger.

Things have not gone smoothly for dual Champion Hurdle winner Buveur D'Air this season, and the 2m4f Grade 1 will be D-day for Nicky Henderson's star.

Faugheen the machine: can he get close to Buveur D'Air in the Aintree Hurdle?Credit: Patrick McCann

It will be no easy task however, as Faugheen – a former Champion Hurdle winner himself – showed he wasn't a spent force with a highly creditable third in the Stayers' Hurdle last time and although he has never run at Aintree before, it could be that this intermediate trip is what he needs at this stage of his career.

Stablemate and three-time festival bridesmaid Melon is another contender, with Supasundae, Silver Streak, Verdana Blue, Summerville Boy, Brain Power and County Hurdle winner Ch'Tibello also engaged.

Read exclusive previews for Aintree from 6pm the night before on racingpost.com