Day 1 doesn't have many each-way betting angles, as a lot of the races are occupied by short-priced favourites, who should win.
Joker De Mai 20/1 (5pl) – Aintree 3.30
I tipped up Unexpected Party on the main thread, and I had that race between him and Barton Snow, but I did mention how you can find value at higher prices.
This year, David Maxwell decided to walk away from horse racing, and he sold all of his horses. David was a decent amateur rider, but with a better jockey in the saddle, there is a chance that the horse can improve a fair few pounds.
Joker De Mai was sent off at quite a short price for this race last year, but was unseated in the race very early. It's interesting that new connections have opted to have a go at this race, and the booking of Rob James is very eye-catching for a stable that is on the up.
Rob is a cracking jockey from the PTP world and has been trusted by some of the big yards in Ireland for their rides. Also, he had won at the Cheltenham Festival and the Eider Chase for Christian Williams, when Christian could have easily opted for a professional jockey.
Javert Allen 7/1 (4pl) – Aintree 4.40
I have tipped up Javert Allen on his last two starts, but he was very underwhelming last time out.
His run at Cheltenham in January was a very good effort. He was behind Jagwar and Donnacha, and looked like a great piece of form. For whatever reason, he didn't fire at Kempton, but I'm convinced there is a big race in him.
The drop back to two miles could be the answer, and I think Aintree could play to his strengths. It's not a very testing track, but they can get racing a long way from home. That could be ideal for him, as he can use his high cruising speed to get them all off the bridle before staying on at the end.
GambleAware