Stephen Harris' Grand National Opening Day Tips

Willie Mullins frustrating chaser was well fancied for the Grand Annual at the Cheltenham festival in March, but never really landed a blow from rear having been dropped out in the early stages and jumped stickily.

He remains with upside over fences from a generous handicap mark (very well treated on his Graded form last season), and this flat, galloping track should help him settle into a rhythm in the early stages of this ultra-competitive handicap.

Tom Lacey’s hunter has been a real bookmaker's friend so far this winter, turned over at a succession of short-prices and rarely finding what he promises when coming off the bridle (very strong traveller who often over-racers under restraint).

However, he is just the sort to reward each-way support at a huge price in this much stronger race, with a patient ride on the cards from the excellent Freddie Mitchell (and a huge field sure to be much more truly run and allow him to get covered up/switched off to settle in the early stages).

Kerry Lee’s useful hurdler revels in testing ground (impressive winner at Ffos Las earlier in the season) and shaped a lot better than the bare result in the Champion hurdle last time out behind State Man (harried on the lead up the inside and made a couple of rare jumping errors).

This flatter track should suit ideally, and a more patient rides is on the cards here from regular pilot Richard Patrick. He has won 4 from 9 over hurdles so far, and one previous run over 2m5f at Kempton suggests he will have no trouble staying 2m4f round here (providing he proves more settled initially).