UK/Ire Thursday and Friday

The Aintree festival starts today with 4 grade one races - cards www.racingpost.com

Aintree doesn't get as frenzied a build up as Cheltenham, but it still is equally a hedgehopper's ultimate dream. Here goes my 2 cents
r1: Cyrname. i think this horse has shown marked improvement over fences with a couple of Grade 2's to his CV. Chased terrefort in the Grade 1 Scilly Isles Novice Chase and arrives fresh! Finian's Oscar just doesn't seem arsed to race, Brain Power in 1st time tongue tie hasn't matched hurdling efforts over fences and will loathe the soft going.

R2: We have a dream. Nicky henderson has the leading hopes here with my selection & the impressive mare Apple's Shakira who races in a 1st time hood. I just think We have a dream has absolutely thrived since arriving from France & is fresh. Apple's Shakira is probably Jp Mcmanus' leading hope for the top spot but overraced in the triumph & has that question over her head if she wants to follow full sister Apple's Jade's win 2 years back.

R3: Might Bite. I absolutely love this beast, and all I needed was the trainer's assurance that he is in good order.

R4:Supasundae. Without last year's winner Beave D'air, a bit of gloss has been taken off. I think jessica Harrington's gelding will destroy these, as he did in the 2m at Leopardstown. Penhill, 3m at Cheltenham was a step too far but this 2m4f trip suits.

R5:Grand Vision. The excellent Jamie Codd gets in the saddle for the first time on this form horse. Wasn't disgraced at Cheltenham either.

R6:Bun Doran. My selection was behind the fav in this last year & I have huge respect for the latter, as well as King's Socks but I'll take the 8/1 on offer any day for Tom George's horse.

R7: Getaway Katie May. My best bet of the day! Jamie Codd once again, and the form behind Champion Bumper winner relegate is the best on offer.

Good luck!

Might Bite a must

Sticking to good old winter faithful that is Southwell today

Fantastic racing and extra time since Cheltenham so should be no excuses

Might Bite "might" last home on this track

R2 Aintree Nube Negra E/W @11/1

R3 Aintree Bristol De Mai win or E/W @11/2

R5 Aintree Distime E/W @16/1

Fancy Desert Ace at Southwell making fibresand debut which i think he will enjoy, trainer has a good few nice sprinters and this one has form on the flat. 25/1 atm

I hope I don't stick anyone out by making this comment but I have generally found it prudent at the Aintree Festival to play against fancied horses that competed at the Cheltenham Festival In March.

Often the competitive nature of Aintree proves to be a bridge too far for horses returning from their Cheltenham exertions.

I also get the impression that horses are sometimes slung into Aintree if they fell just short of the mark at Cheltenham; often with disappointing outcomes as this outing wasn't initially on their radar.

Break a leg. It's a great meeting.

What a wonderful race that was to watch the winner must have traded at huge odds before coming back to win.

Padleyourowncanoe finished his last run at Cheltenham like I used too over the 800m. Flying. He finished 4th and at 25/1 wow i am on for the each way.

I smashed Stealth.....support for the top one scary.....

Assure could surprise in the next at Southwell, trainer/jock combo do well with the first timers e/w