Aintree Day 1 Tips: Rhys Williams fancies Skelton chaser to make it a hat trick

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Rachael Blackmore Superboost!

Betfair ambassador Rachael Blackmore has a great chance on Bob Olinger in the 15:30 at Aintree today, and if you fancy the horse to run well you can back today's Betfair Superboost for her to finish in the top two at 1/12.00 (was [8/15!]).

Aintree - 16:40 - Back Heltenham

Heltenham has won his last two starts at Newbury and I think he has a good chance to make it a hat trick on the drop back in trip this afternoon.

He was a very eyecatching runner up at Kempton three starts ago and built on that when winning the Greatwood Gold Cup on heavy ground at Newbury. He was held up in a well-run race before cruising into contention early in the home straight. He jumped to the front on the bridle at two out and held off the challenge of Kandoo Kid to win by two lengths despite looking to idle in front.

Heltenham followed up that win over the same C&D last time with similar tactics. His challenge was delayed on this occasion as he was travelling all over his two rivals approaching the last before coming under strong pressure on the run-in and he just held off Sir Psycho.

The manner in which he travels through his races suggests that Heltenham can cope with the drop back to two miles and the testing ground is certainly no issue for him. I expect they may look to ride him handier than has been the case over further and he should have a good pace to close into.

There is a slight concern that the shorter trip will put more pressure on his jumping but hopefully he will have no issues on that front and any 7/18.00 or bigger appeals.

Now read Mark Milligan's tips for day one of the Aintree Festival here.

Racing... Only Bettor - Day 1 Aintree Tips - Listen here!