GRAND NATIONAL FESTIVAL - DAY 2 (FRIDAY)

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 appeal. At prices of 11/2 or bigger, either would warrant serious each-way consideration. Faivoir, now in the twilight of his career, is likely to be overlooked but shaped well on his sole previous Aintree outing at this meeting. Off a workable mark, he could outrun his odds at a big price. JOYEUSE (E/W) FAIVOIR (E/W)

14:20 AINTREE An open-looking contest that perhaps lacks the depth typically associated with a Grade 1. While that may be slightly harsh, it does feel as though several arrive with something to prove at this level. Wendigo was still in contention when falling last time and may find this track more suitable to his style. If putting in a clear round, he looks capable of making a bold bid. The main dangers appear to be Gold Dancer from the Willie Mullins yard and Jordans Cross, who has winning course form and should benefit from the step up in trip. WENDIGO (WIN)

14:55 AINTREE Only six runners go to post for this Grade 1, but it still looks a race of quality. Sober Glory sets the standard after a determined runner-up effort in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and will be hard to beat if reproducing that level of form. Sinnatra also caught the eye at Cheltenham and rates as the most likely to give the selection something to think about. SOBER GLORY (WIN) SOBER GLORY – SINNATRA (ST FCAST)

15:30 AINTREE Heart Wood produced a dominant display in the Ryanair Chase and looks a progressive type capable of landing another major prize. Henry De Bromhead’s runner appears to be improving at the right time and could follow up here. Grey Dawning arguably has the strongest overall form but the drop back in trip raises questions for the nine-year-old. At bigger odds, Solness could be interesting if able to return to his best, with the potential to outrun market expectations. HEART WOOD (WIN)

16:05 AINTREE The Topham over the National fences is always one of the highlights of the meeting and this year’s renewal looks as competitive as ever.Gentleman De Mee bids to regain his crown after a lighter campaign that suggests this has been the long-term target. Despite his age, he remains capable, as shown by a recent placed effort, and should go well again.Will The Wise rewarded each-way support at Cheltenham and, with further improvement likely, could take to these fences and mount another strong challenge. At larger odds, The King Of Prs is worth noting. He finished midfield in this race last year and returns better weighted, which could see him closer this time.Others to consider include Matata, Madara, Soul Icon and Bill Baxter. GENTLEMAN DE MEE (E/W) WILL THE WISE (E/W) THE KING OF PRS (E/W)

16:40 AINTREE Mondoui’boy and Johnny’s Jury reoppose after their Albert Bartlett clash at Cheltenham, where they finished first and fourth respectively. There is reason to believe that form could be reversed on this sharper track, which may suit Johnny’s Jury better. However, this looks a wide-open affair and Dalston Lad, a previous course winner, is of interest returning from a short break having bypassed Cheltenham. He could be primed for a big effort. Zeus Power is another consistent type who shouldn’t be far away if running to form. DALSTON LAD (E/W)

17:15 AINTREE A tricky finale and arguably the most competitive race on the card, so siding with value options makes plenty of appeal. Laafi, carrying top weight, has been running well in similar contests and, with a slightly reduced burden this time, could once again be competitive. At the other end of the handicap, Afadil is not the force once expected but has been knocking on the door this season and is capable of getting involved if things fall right. Both represent solid each-way propositions in a wide-open contest. LAAFI (E/W) AFADIL (E/W)

written by Rory Paddock