Rory Paddock looks away from Aintree and pinpoints a handful of runners worth following this Saturday. 13:30 NEWCASTLE Hawkseye View was unable to land a blow in stronger company last time, but this represents a marked drop in grade and he returns to a venue where he has an excellent record. With proven course-and-distance form, he looks well placed to bounce back and add to his tally. Empty Nest, another previous winner over this track and trip, appeals as the most obvious

It's the biggest day of racing in the world with the most-watched horse race, the Grand National, taking centre stage. 12:45 AINTREE As the only previous course winner in the field, Salvator Mundi commands plenty of respect, particularly given he represents the powerful Willie Mullins yard. While not overly prolific this season, he returned to form with a convincing success at Thurles last time and, despite this rise in class, looks the one they all have to beat. Kola Conti

Liam Hall avoids Aintree this Friday and finds a few selections worth following. 14:32 SEDGEFIELD Dartmouth Castle has achieved a rating of 116 and should make it fourth time lucky over hurdles here. Whenthemusicstops has run ok so far in his hurdling career but it looks too steep of a task to improve last Dartmouth Castle but should fill the second spot.  DARTMOUTH CASTLE (WIN)  DARTMOUTH CASTLE - WHENTHEMUSICSTOPS (ST FCAST)  15:38 SEDGEFIELD The Grey Man has won his last

It's the halfway stage of Aintree's Grand National Meeting and we preview all of Friday's action from Liverpool. 13:45 AINTREE The opener on day two of the Grand National meeting is a fiercely competitive handicap with a maximum field declared. Plenty arrive with chances, but former course-and-distance winner Indeevar Bleu and the well-handicapped Joyeuse understandably head the market. Both look to have been targeted at this race and, despite the large field, make plenty of