Aintree’s first meeting of the season takes centre stage in our ITV racing tips for Sunday, with the Grade Two Old Roan Limited Handicap Chase always a popular early feature event on Merseyside. Strong support is provided by further National Hunt action from Market Rasen and Galway. Here are our best bets for punters to consider.
14:25 Aintree Tip
14:25 AINTREE – MONBEG GENIUS @ 3/1
It is 20 months since Jonjo and AJ O’Neill’s charge claimed the last of his six wins but he put in several encouraging efforts last season, notably finishing third in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham and placing fifth in both the Welsh and Irish Grand Nationals . Monbeg Genius can hopefully find things a little easier now stepping into veteran company and appeals here with his yard in decent form.
14:41 Market Rasen Tip
14:41 MARKET RASEN – PAPER MILL
Paper Mill is a former prolific point-to-pointer who was well backed when powering clear on the run-in to score by six lengths at Southwell recently and will be tough to beat if in the same mood here.
15:00 Aintree Tip
15:00 AINTREE – BLUEY (NAP) @ 8/1
Emma Lavelle’s mare enjoyed a fruitful campaign last season and was only outside of the top two on one occasion from six starts. The seven-year-old scored impressively at Kempton and then was back in the winner’s enclosure in January, landing a valuable Windsor handicap.
She was only beaten two and a quarter lengths in a Listed event at Wincanton before gaining compensation with a neck victory as she wrapped up her season at Market Rasen. Bluey has only been raised 3lb for that triumph and can take that in her stride to come out on top in the Old Roan, as she drops back to two-and-a-half miles on ground that is sure to suit.
15:20 Galway Tip
15:20 GALWAY – HARPY EAGLE
Harpy Eagle boasts plenty of experience for a five-year-old still qualified to compete in this novice hurdle and he put that to good use when staying on gamely to prevail in a competitive Punchestown handicap a couple of weeks ago.
15:35 Aintree Tip
15:35 AINTREE – HILLBERRY HILL
The five-year-old was well beaten on his debut for Mags Mullins in November last year but really came into his own when stepped up to two-and-a-half miles. Hillberry Hill won a maiden hurdle at Thurles before he crossed the Irish Sea and transferred to the care of Kim Bailey and Mat Nicholls, making an instant impact for his new yard at Southwell in March.
That saw him handed an initial mark of 122 and this unexposed sort might be one to keep on the right side of for this handicap bow.
Betting Tips
Sunday ITV Racing Betting Tips
14:25 Aintree – Monbeg Genius @ 3/1
14:41 Market Rasen – Paper Mill
15:00 Aintree – Bluey (NAP) @ 8/1
15:35 Aintree – Hillberry Hill
Simply click/tap on the above betting tips to add to your betslip.
Bet on Horse Racing Odds at BOYLE Sports
*Odds are correct at the time of writing, but subject to change.
*Prices are subject to fluctuation.
Remember, Always Gamble Responsibly.
Not all opinions are equal. The BOYLE Sports Team is made up of experts who know the sports and betting world inside out, delivering the kind of insights and analysis that give you a real edge where it matters most.
