Richmond Lake looks tough to beat

Handicappers’ nap

Richmond Lake 11.15 Aintree Created a big impression when slamming a couple of subsequent winners on last month’s Bangor hurdling debut and should be hard to beat if in similar form.

Steve Mason

Ace tipster Simply The Betts

2.05 Aintree

A more likely stayer than favourite Protektorat and shaped nearly as well as him in the Paddy Power. On better terms now. Keith Melrose

Eyecatcher Foxboro

12.12 Chepstow Shaped a bit better than his beaten distance suggests last time and is potentially well in on the best of his British form. David Toft

West Country nap

Last Royal 2.32 Chepstow Brother to Honeysuckle has shown a high level of ability in two starts – splitting two horses rated in the 130s at Uttoxeter last time. Top prospect and can go one better. James Stevens

Speed figures Stolen Silver

1.50 Sandown An excellent second in a hot and strongly run handicap at Cheltenham recently, the grey has a bit to find on official ratings but both hands of the clock point to his prospects. Dave Edwards

Dark horse Achille 2.40 Aintree

Having missed all of 2020, he defied a 427-day absence when a brave second in the Classic Chase at Warwick. Followed that up with a second at Haydock and a creditable sixth in the Midlands National. This race could be ideal with the ground turning softer. Rob Sutton