Aintree Day 1 Lucky 15: Balnaslow bulks out our big bet

It’s dubbed the Grand Opening Day and it’s hard to disagree with that moniker given the quality that’s set to be on show this Thursday at Aintree.

A number of high-profile entrants are ready to line-up on Merseyside and we’ve cast our eye over the card to pick out the best.

Defi Du Seuil can get this ambitious punt off to a flying start in the Four-Year-Old Juvenile Hurdle at 14:20.

Philip Hobb’s Triumph Hurdle winner takes on the Fred Winter first and second in Flying Tiger and Divin Bere but beyond those two there should be little to trouble him.

Another JP McManus-owned charge is next on the list with Champion Hurdle hero Buveur d’Air well-fancied to follow-up in the Aintree Hurdle.

Some re-opposing rivals will aim to thwart the six-year-old’s bid but they should be well held again.

Irish raider Balnaslow is the most ambitious selection of our quartet.

Graham McKeever’s mount led turning from home in the Foxhunter Chase at Cheltenham, before eventually finishing fifth behind On The Fringe and the winner, Pacha Du Polder.

However, it was only a blunder at the last fence that prevented the 10-year-old from getting closer and we’re prepared to take another chance.

Rounding-off this Lucky 15 is Petticoat Tails. Her second behind the unbeaten Cap De Soleil last time out is arguably the best piece of form in the closing contest and we’re jumping on the bandwagon.

Here are our Lucky 15 selections:

1. Defi Du Seuil (14:20)

2. Buveur D’Air (15:25)

3. Balnaslow (16:05)

4. Petticoat Tails (17:15)

Click here to bet on the Aintree Lucky 15!

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing