Aintree Festival Day 3 Predictions: Mahler on a Grand National mission

Aintree Festival Day 3 tips including:

- Mahler Mission to win the Grand National
- Jimmy Du Seuil to win the Mersey Novices' Hurdle
- Buddy One to win the Liverpool Hurdle

Aintree’s Grand National Festival comes to a thrilling conclusion on Saturday afternoon with the world’s most recognisable horse race. 

The famous Merseyside turf will be the scene for Aintree's most famous horse race, the Randox Grand National, along with three Grade 1s across an exciting afternoon of action on Saturday.

Amongst the highlights are the Maghull Novices' Chase, the Mersey Novices' Hurdle, the Liverpool Hurdle and, of course, the famous Randox Grand National Handicap which will set off at 4.00.

Grand National Handicap Chase – Aintree 4:00, April 13th

Key talking point: Can Corach Rambler repeat the feat? 

The feature race of the day on Saturday is the Randox Grand National, a race won by the likes of One For Arthur, Tiger Roll (twice), Minella Times and Noble Yeats in recent years.

Last year's winner Corach Rambler has a much higher weight to contend with this year, and although he ran a gallant third in the Cheltenham Gold Cup when last seen, he had a very tough race and he didn't fly up the hill with his usual zest. At the prices, there has to be better value in the field.

Grand National Best bet: Mahler Mission @ 12/1

Our arrow has landed on John McConnell's Mahler Mission to do the business. The eight-year-old was a faller when seemingly just about to go and win the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham in 2023.

He only found Datsalrightgino too good in the Newbury Gold Cup which should put him spot on for this, and according to his trainer he goes through soft ground like it's good.

Mersey Novices' Hurdle – Aintree 1:55, April 13th

Key talking point: Caldwell Potter aims to justify hefty price tag?

Picked up for a staggering €740,000, Caldwell Potter needs to be winning this Grade 1 to justify the price he fetched, but he has been described as being a long term project by trainer Paul Nicholls so it would be no surprise to see him turned over here. 

The other talking point has to be Gordon Elliott's Brighterdaysahead, whose bubble burst at Cheltenham last month when second to Golden Ace. She was talked up as being the second coming and she really didn't live up to the hype.

Mersey Novices' Hurdle Best bet: Jimmy Du Seuil @ 9/2

The one horse that stands out here is Jimmy Du Seuil, who was no match for stablemate Ballyburn in the Baring Bingham at Cheltenham last month but stayed on really well in the closing stages. He's an improving sort and is up to winning this.

Liverpool Hurdle – Aintree 3.05, April 13th

Key talking point: Absence of Robcour pair leaves door open

The main talking point here is the fact Robcour has decided not to run either Teahupoo or Irish Point. Both could win this race easily so it's a surprise one of them hasn't shown up. That has left the door wide open for a potential outsider to land a huge pot.

Liverpool Hurdle Best bet: Buddy One @ 9/1

At a price, Paul Gilligan's Buddy One has a live chance in a very open renewal. He finished ahead of a few of his rivals when fourth in the Stayers' Hurdle last month and has been somewhat overlooked in the market.