Grand National day two tips as James Du Berlais backed for redemption | Racing | Sport

JAMES DU BERLAIS (4.05) is fancied to hit the target in Aintree’s Randox Supporting Prostate Cancer UK Topham Handicap Chase.

Runner-up 12 months ago, the chestnut was going best of all with two of the iconic Grand National spruce fences to clear.

However he found the UK’s longest run-in at 494 yards and the concession of a stone to Arizona Cardinal to be just beyond him.

One of a five-strong team from the stable of Willie Mullins, James Du Berlais is only 1lb higher and has been saved for another crack at this after a light campaign.

Stablemate Blue Lord, a three-time Grade One hero in the same Simon Munir and Isaac Souede silks as my pick, could be a threat from a mark of 152.

Glengouly went well for a long way in last year’s National while of the runners at bigger prices, Jetoile is well-treated on his Grade Two Old Roan Chase triumph with conditions to suit.

Undefeated in top company at the circuit, JONBON (3.30) can make up for his race-ending Cheltenham Festival mishap.

Nico de Boinville had to sit tight when the usually consistent jumper took fence nine by the roots – and that was their winning chance gone.

However unlike Prestbury Park, this is a happy hunting ground for the nine-year-old and it will be disappointing if he cannot retain the My Pension Expert Melling Chase.

Missing last month’s seasonal highlight in Gloucestershire could be a blessing for Fergal O’Brien’s exciting novice hurdler TRIPOLI FLYER (2.55, nb).

With his yard in red-hot form, the son of Getaway tackles Supreme second Romeo Coolio in the TrustATrader Top Novices’ Hurdle.

But my selection still has potential to call upon after rising through the grades and his turn of foot could be a potent weapon on this flat circuit.

A knock schooling halted MISTER MEGGIT‘s (4.40) season, but he is tipped to make up for lost time in the Oddschecker Sefton Novices’ Hurdle.

Shantou’s son opened his account at this track – form advertised by several opponents since – and that is far from the bottom of the barrel as he tries three miles.

TUNE IN A BOX (2.20) secured a big field handicap at Punchestown last spring on a yielding surface and his mark suffered as a result, but he has emerged with credit on a couple of occasions.

Cheekpieces accompany a tongue tie for the first time and he has an each-way chance, while JORDANS (1.45, Nap), who races as though he needs a greater test of stamina and Joseph O’Brien could have remained in handicaps with the six-year-old.

AINTREE

1.45 Jordans (Nap)

2.20 Tune in a Box

2.55 Tripoli Flyer (nb)

3.30 Jonbon

4.05 James Du Berlais

4.40 Mister Meggit

5.15 Moon Chime (treble)