In-Play / Graham Cunningham / 11 April 2012 /

Big Buck's raises the curtain on day one of the 2012 Grand National meeting but Racing UK analyst Graham Cunningham is looking to the later races in search of some value in Betfair's In-Play markets.

If connections hold their ground Aintree racegoers will be able to feast their eyes on the winners of all four major championship races from last month's Cheltenham Festival this week, starting on Thursday with relentless World Hurdle winner Big Buck's.

Even gluttons for punishment eventually get the message and I've finally given up trying to get him beaten.

Sod's Law suggests this Thursday is the day when he will finally under perform to give his rivals a chance and the improving Smad Place looks the one to capitalise if Big Buck's finally does show frailty, but the Liverpool Hurdle at 14:00 looks an unappealing punting contest overall and I'm content to swerve it in favour of the more open betting races on day one.

First up is a Grade 1 hurdle for juveniles at 14:30 in which the Triumph Hurdle form will be put under the microscope.

Countrywide Flame forged clear of Grumeti, Dodging Bullets and Sadlers Risk that day and would have also beaten Pearl Swan had that gelding not crashed out at the final flight. However, this sharper track sets things up for a different test and the Festival finishing order is by no means certain to be confirmed.

For what it's worth, I rate Grumeti and Dodging Bullets as the two to note from the Triumph, but I wouldn't be at all surprised to see the winner come from a different source here and backing Hinterland at a decent price with a view to trading out at much shorter holds plenty of appeal.

This gelding was favourite for the Triumph after an impressive Cheltenham win before Christmas but missed the Festival after a couple of defeats. However, Hinterland's latest third in a hot Cheltenham handicap in January off a BHA mark of 141 doesn't leave him too far behind the best of this bunch and the way he jumped and travelled that day was eye-catching.

If I've read his running style right Hinterland has sound prospects of producing a career best on this much flatter track. Only a career best will do if he's to win, but I doubt we've seen the best of this gelding and I'm happy to side with him in the belief that there is much more to this than just the Triumph contenders.

I've never been the sort of punter to have a bet just for the sake of it and the Betfred Bowl at 15:05 looks just a little too tough for my liking with any number of possible winners.

Laying last year's third Offshore Account for a place in what will be a typically wild and chaotic Foxhunter Chase at 15:40 looks a low risk trade, but the other horse who catches the eye as a back to lay vehicle on day one is Pepite Rose in the 16:50.

Many punters will look no further than Al Ferof as he bids to atone for his Arkle defeat here and this likeable and high-class grey is bound to be tough to beat given that this return to two and a half miles ought to suit him very well indeed.

However, the odds will be tight and Pepite Rose appeals as a value option after improving relentlessly since being switched to fences. Pinpoint accurate jumping has been the hallmark of this mare's fencing career thus far.

A runaway handicap success off a BHA mark of 135 at Newbury last time makes her fully deserving of a crack at this much stronger contest and Pepite Rose has every chance of trading fairly short here even if Al Ferof does wear her down in the straight.

Thursday Recommendations
Back Hinterland in the 14:30 and lay off at [4.0] in running
Lay Offshore Account for a place in the 15:40
Back Pepite Rose in the 16:50 and lay off at [2.5] in running

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