Derek Fox's Aintree Day 1 Tips
Derek Fox is a two-time Grand National-winning jockey, riding One For Arthur (2017) and Corach Rambler (2023) to victory for trainer Lucinda Russell.
He spoke exclusively to FreeBets.com, the home of the best Grand National free bets, ahead of the 2026 Aintree Festival.
Thursday's Grade One Action
What do you like in the opening Juvenile Hurdle?
It's a competitive race without a real standout. My pick is Minella Study for Adam Nicol — he's a very good northern-based trainer and I've ridden for him before. Minella Study ran really well at Cheltenham. Turning down to the last hurdle, I thought he had a great chance, and his form before that was very impressive. Ryan Mania is on board too, which is a big plus.
Willie Mullins is always hard to beat in these races — he's a magician. Selma De Vary will be tough to pass, but if there's one to challenge, Minella Study is my pick.
What about the William Hill Aintree Hurdle?
The New Lion is the one I'd go with. He's still improving and two and a half miles will really suit him. Two miles is probably a bit short of his best trip. He handles good ground well, moves nicely and jumps very fast. He didn't get the best of runs in the Champion Hurdle — it just didn't happen for him on the day. Stepping back up to two and a half, though, I think he's the one to be on at two to one.
Brighter Days Ahead won the Grade One novice here last year, so she's clearly not without a chance. I'd want a bit more cut in the ground for her, though. The New Lion is my selection.
The Bowl Chase — can Jango Baie win?
Jango Baie will be very hard to beat. He ran an absolute blinder to finish second in the Gold Cup and he's the class horse in this field. He's 11 to 10 at the moment, which seems about right.
If there was one to beat him, I'd go with Spillane's Tower for James Mangan. He was pulled out of the Gold Cup, so he arrives here fresh — around 75 days since his last run. The Mangans are very clever horsemen and he'll be well prepared. He's better with a bit of cut in the ground, so if it comes up softer, that brings him more into it. Going against the favourite, he's my pick.
And the Novices' Chase?
Lulamba looks very hard to beat. It looks like a two-horse race between him and Koktail Divin. Lulamba is going to be very strong, though. If the favourite doesn't win, it'll have to be Koktail Divin for Henry de Bromhead and Darryl Jacob — they're a good combination. Seeing a good horse like Lulamba run is always exciting. I hope he puts in a clear round and keeps moving forward.
Grand National Early Look
Looking ahead, who do you like the look of for the Grand National?
Who do you like for the Grand National?
It's a fascinating race this year. My pick is Oscars Brother, trained by Connor King. He's still a novice, but he's by Mountain Asses and from what I've seen they tend to stay very well. He finished fifth in the Brown Advisory at Cheltenham — that's solid Grade One novice form. He's in off 10 stone 13, which really stands out. He's eight years old, so even though he's a novice, he's old enough to handle it. He's the one I would pick.
Any each-way options?
Gerri Colombe, trained by Gordon Elliott, is worth a look. He won the Bowl at Aintree at Grade One level a few years back. I know he handles the course and stays well. He's been off injured but won nicely at Down Royal on his return. Off a big weight, if that doesn't slow him down too much, he'll have a live chance.
Haiti Couleurs is also interesting. He's an Irish National and Welsh National winner and a handicap horse through and through. His Gold Cup run was disappointing, but back in a handicap, I think he could bounce back. Panic Attack is another one to consider — she was a very good winner of the Hennessy and she's off a very light weight. Mares don't have a great record around Aintree, but if there was ever one to break the mould, it might be her.
