The Grand National Festival continues with day two at Aintree set to provide more thrills and spills with some high-class racing. Officials have compensated for the dry conditions by watering the ground to ensure the going is good to soft, but yesterday proved that this is still going to be a quick course to cover. Jonbon headlines the day in the Melling Chase, but all eyes are on the showpiece event this Saturday with the Grand National field now confirmed. Last year's winner I Am Maximus is back and among the main contenders, while Iroko, Stumptown, Hewick, Intense Raffles, and Vanillier are also heavily fancied by tipsters and experts.
I Am Maximus is attempting to create history as the first runner carrying top weight to win since three-time winner Red Rum in the 1970s, while only Tiger Roll has defended the title, in 2019, since then. Here are the tips and best bets for day two at Aintree from the Independent’s Sam Turner, and check out our free betting newsletter for the latest news and free bet offers from the Grand National Festival.
Starting off the day at 1:45 PM is the Mildmay Novices' Chase, where Handstands is tipped for victory. Sam Turner has placed a two-point win bet at odds of 2/1, stating that the decision to sidestep Cheltenham and head straight here could pay dividends for the six-year-old. His form was boosted when Jango Baie, gamely beaten by Handstands at Sandown in February, went on to win the Arkle Chase at the Festival.
For the following race at 2:20 PM, Turner suggests Be Aware as a strong each-way bet at 7/1, alongside Helnwein at 14/1. Be Aware didn't seem to see out the trip of the Coral Cup on a stiff track and may prove more at home on the flatter surrounds of Aintree. Helnwein previously beat Be Aware on the final day of last season at Sandown, making him an enticing option.
At 2:55 PM, all eyes will be on the Top Novices' Hurdle, where Romeo Coolio is the favorite. Turner recommends a two-point win at 5/4, noting that the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle looked a race to follow, and it would be disappointing if Romeo Coolio can’t uphold the form here. Although Tripoli Flyer is respected, his jumping has been inconsistent, which could prove costly in Grade 1 company.
The highlight of the day, the Melling Chase, takes place at 3:30 PM, with Jonbon as the favorite. Turner suggests a forecast bet on Jonbon to beat Protektorat. Events didn’t go to plan for Jonbon at Cheltenham, but he is expected to bounce back and reprise his victory from last year’s renewal.
Moving into the 4:05 PM race, James Du Berlais is tipped for a one-point each-way bet at 8/1, while Ginnys Destiny is suggested at 16/1. Turner believes James Du Berlais has been geared towards this race all season, and his entire season has been focused on going one better after a strong finish last year.
Finally, at 4:40 PM, Califet En Vol is recommended for a one-point each-way bet at 4/1. This selection fits the profile of many of the past winners of this race, and his form behind Cheltenham festival scorer The New Lion looks strong.
As the day wraps up with the final race at 5:15 PM, Celtic Dino is tipped for a one-point each-way bet at 13/2. The ground conditions are favorable for Celtic Dino, who has posted excellent times at both Wincanton and Ascot earlier this season.
As the festival unfolds, the excitement builds towards the Grand National on Saturday, April 5, 2025. Last year's winner, I Am Maximus, is back to defend his title and is among the favorites alongside a strong field that includes Iroko, Stumptown, Hewick, Intense Raffles, and Vanillier. The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the Grand National Festival, with all eyes on Aintree as racing fans eagerly await the main event.
