Aintree Grand National Tips

Grand National Festival Tips: Rhys Williams is taking a two-pronged attack in the Topham

Aintree Racecourse
Our racing expert has two selections on Friday

Our resident tipster has analysed the second day of the Grand National Festival and has two selections in the Topham...


Timeform Superboost

The ultra-consistent Jonbon (never been out of the first two in his career) is the red hot favourite to win the Melling Chase in the 15:30 at Aintree today, and he also has a 100% winning record at the Merseyside venue, winning all three times he's raced at Aintree. 

The kind people in the Betfair Trading tower have super-boosted Jonbon's win price from 2/51.40 to 1/12.00! To take advantage, just click on the odds in the below bet banner to go directly to the pre-loaded betslip.

Please Note: Today's superboost has been provided by the Betfair Sportsbook and not by any of our writers or tipster.


Watch Racing... Only Bettor Day 2 Aintree Tips!


Topham Handicap Chase, Aintree - 16:05 - Back James Du Berlais

James Du Berlais ran an excellent race when finishing second in this last year and I think he has a strong chance to go one place better off just a 1lb higher mark.

He was below par on his first two starts of this season but I thought he showed far more encouragement when finishing fifth at Leopardstown last time. He travelled with plenty of enthusiasm, which took him to the front early on, and he was still going well a couple of lengths clear turning into the home straight before not finding much under pressure and fading to finish fifth.

That showed that the spark is back and it looks like the season may have been revolving around having another attempt at this race. I think he should be fine on the drying ground given that he handled it fine in his younger days in France and I think he should be a clear favourite for the race. Any 6/17.00 or bigger appeals.


Topham Handicap Chase, Aintree - 16:05 - Back Shantreusse

The ground may be a slight concern for Shantreusse but if he handles it I think he could run well having been unlucky in this race last year.

He was travelling well in a prominent position when he clipped the top, slithered on landing and nearly came to a standstill. That dropped him a long way back through the field and he couldn't get back into a challenging position from that point while staying on to finish seventh.

When completing the course, he's run well this season with him shaping far better than the margin beaten suggests at Leopardstown two starts ago. I think this sort of test could be ideal for him and as long as the ground is ok, I think he's capable of running well. Any 12/113.00 or bigger appeals.


Now read Katie Midwinter's Friday tips here


Recommended bets

RHYS’ PROFIT/LOSS 2025

Staked: 102.00pts

Returned: 167.43pts

P/L: +65.43pts

GET £50 IN FREE BETS MULTIPLES WHEN YOU SPEND £10 ON THE BETFAIR SPORTSBOOK

New customers only. Bet £10 on the Betfair Sportsbook at odds of min EVS (2.0) and receive £50 in FREE Bet Builders, Accumulators or Multiples to use on any sport. T&Cs apply.

Prices quoted in copy are correct at time of publication but liable to change.