Aintree Tips: Key Timeform data on Saturday including a 12/1 fancy in the Grand National

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NAP: Aintree, 13:55 - Bossman Jack the pick of the 'Horses In Focus' 

The progressive six-year-old Bossman Jack improved further on his first start at the highest level when sixth in the Baring Bingham at Cheltenham and, with his stable in form, he is taken to resume winning ways with more still to offer at this trip.  

The Dan Skelton-trained son of Jack Hobbs made a costly late mistake last month having come from off the pace and, top on Timeform's weight-adjusted ratings, he is fancied to see off fellow HIFs Came From Nowhere, Montemares and Scorpio Rising. 

Gordon Elliott has landed this prize for the last four years, so Ballyfad - who was four places behind Bossman Jack at Cheltenham - also looks a danger. 

Bossman Jack to

Aintree, 14:30 - Race looks perfect for hold-up horse Mr Hope Street 

Mr Hope Street looks well handicapped on the form of his Haydock third behind The Jukebox Man in November and can prove the point now tackling 3m+ for the first time over fences.  

Another Dan Skelton-trained 'Horse In Focus', Mr Hope Street looked as if he'd be better for the run when fourth at Sandown last month and he is top on Timeform's weight-adjusted ratings (with a 'small p' denoting further improvement is expected). 

He remains with potential as a chaser and is likely to appreciate the likely decent pace which should be set by Lookaway, Cruz Control, Konfusion and Josh The Boss. 

BK

Aintree, 16:00 - Johnnywho the pick of the McManus runners 

Willie Mullins saddled an unprecedented 1-2-3-5 in this 12 months ago and it's possible that JP McManus could repeat the feat as an owner, so strong is his hand this year. Johnnywho and Jagwar are both ahead of their marks after finishing 1-2 in the Ultima at Cheltenham and can lead home the 2024 winner I Am Maximus.  

Jonjo O'Neill has his horses in good form and has plenty of history with the race; although unable to win it as a jockey, he won the race in 2010 with Don't Push It. 

Johnnywho looked better than ever when winning the 22-runner Ultima Handicap Chase at Cheltenham last time by ½ a length from Jagwar, leading in the final 100 yards despite having been bumped soon after the last, and looks well worth another try at further than 3¼m (respectable fifth in 2025 Irish Grand National). Able to race from the same mark as at Cheltenham, he can see off the strong Irish challenge.

Suggested double

Bossman Jack (14:55)

Mr Hope Street (15:30)  

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