'This race is always run at a frantic pace which he desperately needs' - Conor Fennelly takes a look at Aintree's stacked day one card

What’s the big story?

The headline act speaks for itself as Constitution Hill and Lossiemouth's postponed rematch comes to fruition in the Aintree Hurdle (3.30). Lossiemouth couldn't reel him in at Kempton in December but she never looked comfortable on that occasion as she was at pains to keep up with the pace set by Burdett Road from the off.

Constitution Hill's fall at Cheltenham was unfortunate but always a distinct possibility as his jumping method allows little room for error. The one time Nicky Henderson's star wasn't an imperious winner of a race was in this two years ago, albeit it didn't suit him making the running.

Over her optimum trip, this is an excellent opportunity for Lossiemouth to hand Constitution Hill another defeat, a notion that was previously unfathomable. However, the Aintree Hurdle also offers Nico de Boinville's mount a chance to put forward conclusive proof he's back to the peak of his powers and a win would really set the pulses racing for Punchestown.

Who wins the other Grade 1s on the card?

Jango Baie should be shorter in the Manifesto (1.45) after he did incredibly well to land the Arkle despite struggling to go the pace for the majority of the race. This step back up in trip will see him in a better light and his form looks very classy now, particularly when he beat Springwell Bay and Caldwell Potter comprehensively in December.

Jango Baie: an astonishing winner of the Arkle last monthCredit: Patrick McCann

Murcia is capable of much better than what she's shown and can run a big race in the Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle (2.20). She was beaten by a smart horse in Bacchanalian at Naas and probably should have won, while the third bolted up at Limerick on Tuesday. She ran fine in the Fred Winter, beaten almost nine lengths into eighth, but is now 13lb better off with Puturhandstogether and is improving with each run for Willie Mullins.

Spillane's Tower is the best horse in the Golden Miller Bowl (2.55), albeit there is a nagging doubt whether he's as good going left-handed. He's worth taking a chance on as his price compensates for that at 3-1 or bigger.

Who's the best bet of the day?

My Mate Mozzie's big day in the sun has been a long time coming and he can land the Red Rum (4.40). He didn't travel with his usual verve in the middle part of the Grand Annual last month but still ran a typically solid race. This ground should be ideal, while this race is always run at a frantic pace which he desperately needs.

My Mate Mozzie16:40 Aintree

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Jky: Keith Donoghue Tnr: Gavin Cromwell

Any other fancies?

Kapability is overpriced for the Grade 2 mares' bumper (5.15) for Anthony Honeyball, who saddled the winner in 2012. She travelled very strongly on her way to an impressive success at the track in October, beating Siog Geal who has advertised the form very well in the interim, before getting bogged down in testing conditions at Huntingdon.

Kapability17:15 Aintree

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Jky: Harry Cobden Tnr: Anthony Honeyball

Thursday's ITV Racing schedule

1.45 Aintree EBC Group Manifesto Novices' Chase 2m4f, 5yo+, Grade 1
2.20 Aintree Boodles Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle 2m1f, 4yo, Grade 1
2.55 Aintree Brooklands Golden Miller Chronograph Bowl Chase 3m1f, 5yo+, Grade 1
3.30 Aintree William Hill Aintree Hurdle 2m4f, 4yo+, Grade 1
4.05 Aintree Randox Foxhunters' Open Hunters' Chase 2m5f, 6yo+
4.40 Aintree Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Chase 2m, 5yo+

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Harry Wilson fired in winners at 15-2, 4-1 and 9-4 in his last column - find out his fancies for every race on day one at Aintree  

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