Aintree hosts an attractive meeting on Saturday, Nov 11th. Seven races take place between 14.25 and 15.50.

Highlight is arguably the Grand Sefton, over the National fences but not quite as extreme trip-wise, at 14.45.

They’ve had plenty of rain, and the ground is expected to be testing.

12.25 – Josh The Boss @ 6/4

A good-looking 2m 4f novice hurdle, and in Josh The Boss I’m plumping for a last-time-out winner who created a tremendous impression at Warwick. The Twiston-Davies stable is going very nicely, and amateur Jamie Neild is the only jock to have sat on him so far after 5 career starts. The owner is listed as one JD Neild, which might answer a few questions.

Ben Pauling and Olly Murphy both field interesting adversaries, but the manner of that Warwick success means I need to keep faith with Josh The Boss until proven otherwise etc. Lovely contest to start proceedings.

13.35 – Imperial Merlin @ 3/1

A Class 2 staying handicap hurdle, open betting, and any number of plausible challengers. My selection Imperial Merlin reappears for a new campaign after taking an Ayr novice last April very takingly. This is a big step up, but evidently connections feel it’s a move worth making.

Willie Mullins sends a JP Manus-owned rival in Icare Allen, ridden here by Jonjo O’Neill Jr. His Dad’s in great nick, so Jr’s confidence is I’m sure sky-high right now, too. Willie’s raiders, it goes without saying, warrant the very greatest respect.

Staying power will be an absolute pre-requisite, given the conditions, and winners throughout the afternoon will have to be very resolute indeed at the business end.

Have a wonderful afternoon’s sport.

Horse Racing tips, from Betfred Insights