GRAND NATIONAL FESTIVAL | Best Antepost Selections for Day 1

Following all the excitement at Ayr on Saturday, jumps fans are looking forward to another busy week of action with the Grand National Festival kicking off at Aintree on Thursday.

The first lot of entries were released on Saturday, with the likes of the Betway Bowl and the Aintree Hurdle announcing their preliminary line-ups.

The team have taken a look through the potential runners and they have picked out three selections that could be worth backing for the first day of the Grand National Festival.

BRAZIL – 4YO Juvenile Hurdle (5/2)

After striking success in the Boodles last month, Brazil could aim for Grade 1 success at Aintree for his connections.

The juvenile carries plenty of experience already over obstacles, running five times and winning his last two outings for Padraig Roche.

He faces a tough challenger in Pied Piper, but the colt could well put up a big performance here and looks better value compared to his Irish counterpart.

ROYALE PAGAILLE – Betway Bowl (13/2)

After his fifth-place finish in the Gold Cup, Royale Pagaille could be one to note in the Betway Bowl for Venetia Williams.

The eight-year-old has shown promise over three miles in the last few seasons, striking in Graded company on two occasions.

The gelding will need some rain in the coming days but if the ground does have some cut in it, he could well be competitive at a decent price here.

MONMIRAL – Aintree Hurdle (10/1)

With Paul Nicholls keeping the gelding fresh for this contest, Monmiral could have a big run in him in the Grade 1 Aintree Hurdle.

The five-year-old won all five of his starts last season over hurdles, but he has struggled on his two outings this campaign.

He landed success in last year’s 4YO Juvenile Hurdle and a return to Aintree could rejuvenate him at an each-way price of 10/1 currently.

Odds are courtesy of bet365 and correct at the time of writing