Horse racing betting tips: Politiologue and Brio Conti can make it a Magic day for Nicholls
THERE is a real sense of déjà vu when it comes to the JLT Chase (3.25pm) with the first two home from last year's renewal back for another crack.
The Paul Nicholls-trained POLITOLOGUE bounced back from defeat behind Altior at Cheltenham to outstay Min and land this Grade One prize.
Plenty of water has passed under the bridge since then, but I can see of no real reason why history shouldn't repeat itself this afternoon.
Politologue arrives here slightly fresher than 12 months ago with one less race under his belt and he ran a career- best to chase home Altior on his latest start.
He gave Nicky Henderson's star a real fright and at one stage looked like he may even go on and win.
That was an impressive performance when you consider that the trip was on the sharp side for him and he had previously seemed ill at ease around Cheltenham.
The extra four ferlongs plays to his strengths and as long as his efforts last time haven't left their mark, he should put up a bold defence of his crown at 5/2 with Coral.
His biggest threat will surely once again be Min who ran too bad to be true when only fifth at Cheltenham.
There is no doubt he is far better than that and for whatever reason he was too keen and never jumped with any fluency.
He'll run better here, but he was outstayed 12 months ago and has a little to prove now.
Another talented horse on the comeback trail is Ruth Jefferson's Waiting Patiently.
He looked the potential star of this di vision when bolting up in the Ascot Chase last year, but nothing seems to have gone right for him this time around.
Connections opted to try him over three miles in the King George at Kempton on his reappearance, but didn't find out much as he was brought down by a faller before the race had really even got going.
Whether he ran below par or was just slammed by a superstar in Cyrname when favourite on his latest start in the Ascot Chase is open to debate.
I was a little underwhelmed by his display and feel he has a little bit to prove now.
Nicholls has had his team in great nick all season and must have an excellent chance of landing this afternoon's opening Merseyrail Handicap Hurdle (1.45pm) with BRIO CONTI.
He is only 2lbs higher than when running an absolute cracker to be fourth in the Coral Cup at Cheltenham last time.
Nothing travelled better into contention than him that day and the slight drop in trip here on a flatter track will only help his cause.
There is every chance he is still ahead of the handicapper and he looks the one for me each-way at 8/1 with Ladbrokes.
The big betting race of the day is the Randox Health Topham Chase (4.05pm) where we get another chance to look at the Grand National fences ahead of tomorrow.
It looks as wide-open as usual and I'm going to throw two speculative darts.
First up, Irish raider CALL IT MAGIC caught the eye when setting sail for home far too early in the Becher Chase here last December.
Having jumped brilliantly throughout, he committed for home over the third last and was reeled in as his stamina gave way and eventually finished a weary fourth.
He prepped for this at Fairyhouse last month and I expect him to put up a bold show at 14/1 with Ladbrokes.
Nigel Twiston-Davies has hit form at the right time and saddles two interesting runners in Ballyhill and FLYING ANGEL.
The former has been well found in the market in recent days and looks sure to go well at around 14/1.
However, I'm going to take a chance with the ultra-tough Flying Angel at around 25/1.
He is well-handicapped, stays well, has winning form at Aintree and has jumped these fences before.
POINTERS
Brio Conti e/w 1.45pm Aintree
Politologue 3.25pm Aintree
Call It Magic e/w 4.05pm Aintree
Flying Angel e/w 4.05pm Aintree