13:20 Aintree

Race 1: 13:20 Aintree

Pick: NURSE SUSAN (16)

NURSE SUSAN is lightly-raced for her age and won her only previous start over this distance when thrashing Gowel Road, who has boosted the form since. She will be fitter after her comeback run in the Martin Pipe last month and looks nicely handicapped for a trainer seeking another win in the race.

13:55 Aintree

Race 1: 13:55 Aintree

Pick: HORACES PEARL (6)

Lulamba is plenty short enough for this and preference is for the unbeaten HORACES PEARL, who has winning form over the trip and at this course. He is well worth his place in this line up and makes plenty of appeal.

14:05 Newcastle

Race 3: 14:05 Newcastle

Pick: REGAL AND ROYAL (3)

REGAL AND ROYAL won back-to-back handicaps last summer and looked unlucky not to complete a hat trick of wins on his return last month when second. Off only a 4lb higher mark with that run under his belt, he’s a major player once more.

14:30 Aintree

Race 4: 14:30 Aintree

Pick: HAPPYGOLUCKY (8)

HAPPYGOLUCKY won this race four years ago off a mark of 149 and is 10lb lower in the handicap this time around. He’s shaped encouragingly on both starts this year and could prove hard to beat off this exploitable figure.

14:40 Newcastle

Race 5: 14:40 Newcastle

Pick: CHOOSETHENEWS (3)

CHOOSETHENEWS beat a good field in this race last year and shaped well when fifth in the Eider Chase last time out. He is down in grade and trip and should make a bold bid to win this race again.

15:05 Aintree

Pick six: 15:05 Aintree

Pick: STRONG LEADER (10)

Last year’s winner STRONG LEADER is fancied to win the race again. He has his favoured conditions, and given how impressive he was twelve months ago, I must keep the faith with him. Olly Murphy has aimed him at this race all season, so he’s fancied to get the better of Teahupoo.

16:00 Aintree

Race 7: 16:00 Aintree

Pick: STUMPTOWN (10)

Having won over the Cross Country course at Cheltenham last month, STUMPTOWN can follow up in the Grand National. He stays, jumps, and ticks a lot of boxes for this race. I think he’s a massive contender for the Gavin Cromwell team.

Check out runners guide on each of the horses in the Grand National today for more guidance.