ITV horse racing tips and best bets for Aintree on Saturday, April 11
Day three of the 2026 Grand National Festival arrives on Saturday, and Sports News Blitz’s horse racing pundit Kieran McHugh is eyeing the big race – the Grand National.
ITV are showing five races from Aintree Racecourse, starting at 13:20 and culminating at 16:00 with the Grand National, and our resident reporter is hoping to continue his good form.
Kieran McHugh’s horse racing tips
Well, we made it to the main event.
The jewel in Aintree’s crown, the greatest steeplechasing spectacle in the world.
A testing, demanding, and unique course over four miles and two furlongs – with 34 horses all bidding to write themselves into immortality.
It is, of course, the Grand National.
Now, in celebration of the great race, I shall tell you a tale about myself and my imperious colleague Mr Mexico.
‘Twas in the murky period of limbo following the invasion of strange-looking folk for the 2023 Grand National.
Nobody could tell what they were bleating on about but it was evident what they were seeking.
Attention turned to filling this stop-gap, so Jeff and I decided to play a game of three-card brag.
Then we had a panic attack when we realised it was final orders.
Sadly, we were left with only a twig to our name.
To top it all off, we were mugged by Johnny, who stole our winnings.
Which was a shame as we were hoping to share a Freddo.
Anyway, I digress and I hope that you enjoyed that stellar story.
13:20 (Aintree) – William Hill Handicap Hurdle
Fortune Timmy is a novice but has some very good form behind Old Park Star and was unlucky in a Grade 1 at Cheltenham. He is unexposed and could be a lot better than his mark.
Ace Of Spades has put in some nice performances this term and won here earlier on in the season. He can improve from his Cheltenham performance.
Suggested bets: FORTUNE TIMMY (WIN), ACE OF SPADES (E/W)
13:55 (Aintree) – Mersey Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1)
Montemares has only lost one race in his career and that was to the smart No Drama This End. He won well at Kelso and is on the up.
Rooster Crowing might need soft ground but his form is pretty good, and that could be good enough to land this event.
Suggested bets: MONTEMARES (WIN), ROOSTER CROWING (E/W)
14:30 (Aintree) – William Hill Handicap Chase
The likeable Cruz Control has won the last two renewals of this race and there is absolutely nothing to say he cannot do so again.
In Love is another French horse and ran in the French Grand National. He has relatively good form behind some smart horses and could go well with Jordan Gainford.
Suggested bets: CRUZ CONTROL (WIN), IN LOVE (E/W)
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15:05 (Aintree) – Liverpool Hurdle (Grade 1)
Strong Leader has a fantastic record at Aintree and in this race, so it would be no surprise to see him feature strongly again.
Impose Toi did not fire in the Stayers’ Hurdle but was proving to be a key player beforehand. He could reignite his claims back at Aintree.
Suggested bets: STRONG LEADER (WIN), IMPOSE TOI (E/W)
16:00 (Aintree) – Randox Grand National Handicap Chase
Monty’s Star is the best jumper in this field and I have long fancied him for this race. He has knocked on the door at the top level and this could have been the plan for a while – connections tried this with their Gold Cup winner Minella Indo.
Perceval Legallois was fancied for this last year but fell at Valentines’. This has surely been the plan and JP McManus’ incoming number one Harry Cobden takes the ride.
Imperial Saint has a brilliant record at Aintree, albeit over the ‘normal’ fences. He has stamina queries but looks well treated for this. Was also unlucky at Cheltenham and he just sneaks in at the bottom of the weights.
Suggested bets: MONTY’S STAR (WIN), PERCEVAL LEGALLOIS (E/W), IMPERIAL SAINT (E/W)
As ever, best of betting luck to you all.
(Selections are correct at time of publishing. Be aware they are subject to change, horses could be removed from race, and meetings may be abandoned due to bad weather.)
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