A Bright Thursday Card at Aintree and Beyond
With competitive action across Aintree, Wolverhampton, Southwell, and Taunton on Thursday 9th April, punters have plenty to get stuck into. The standout horses come from the trusted yards of Nicky Henderson, Paul Nicholls, and Dan Skelton, all fielding strong contenders throughout the day.
Topping the list are Lulamba (4/7) in the 14:20 at Aintree, Jango Baie (6/5) in the 14:55 at the same venue, and Minella Yoga (2/5) at Taunton. These three bring high confidence levels, but there are value plays and intriguing longshots elsewhere too. Let’s break it all down.
Lulamba a Standout in Aintree’s 14:20
Few trainers have a better record at Aintree than Nicky Henderson, and Lulamba looks primed to deliver the goods in the 14:20. Priced at 4/7, this 2m 3f 200y Novices’ Hurdle on Good to Soft going seems tailor-made for the six-year-old. Nico de Boinville takes the ride, and the duo has an enviable strike rate this season.
Recent form reveals plenty to like. Lulamba’s last outing saw a comfortable win over 2m 4f at Sandown on soft, and the slight drop in distance here shouldn’t hamper his chances. Henderson’s runners typically thrive under these conditions, and with strong competing form lines, he looks the banker of the day. Check the full Aintree 14:20 racecard.
Jango Baie Expected to Shine in the 14:55
Another Henderson charge, Jango Baie (6/5), steps into the 14:55 at Aintree — a stamina-testing 3m 210y trip over hurdles. The seven-year-old has shown improvement in each of his last three runs, culminating in a gutsy second at Warwick last time out.
The Good to Soft going will suit, and Nico de Boinville is once again booked for the ride. With only moderate opposition and Henderson holding a superb 28% strike rate at this track in the last five years, the 6/5 on offer looks fair. Some punters may prefer to include him in today’s accumulator tips.
Minella Yoga the Banker at Taunton (14:32)
At Taunton, Paul Nicholls sends out the highly regarded Minella Yoga (2/5) in the 14:32, a 2m 104y Novices’ Hurdle on Good ground. Freddie Gingell takes the ride, claiming 7lb, which should give this classy five-year-old an edge against an underwhelming field.
Minella Yoga has already shown blistering speed and jumping fluency in his previous two starts, winning a Novices' at Wincanton last month by seven lengths. At a short 2/5, he won’t appeal to many outright backers but could serve as a rock-solid anchor for doubles or trebles. For other today’s AI tips, check out our breakdown.
The New Lion Roars into Aintree’s 16:05
If you’re looking for higher odds in your punts, Dan Skelton’s The New Lion (2/1) in Aintree’s 16:05 offers excellent value. This 2m 4f Handicap Hurdle on Good to Soft ground looks wide open, but Skelton’s charge has been dangerously consistent, finishing in the top two in three of his last four starts.
Harry Skelton in the saddle adds further appeal; he’s riding with confidence after two winners earlier this week. Expect The New Lion to be staying on strongly at the finish. Consider backing him win-only, or take a look at how he compares to rivals on our horse comparison tool.
Value Bets and Longshots
For punters hunting big returns, there are a few eye-catching outsiders to consider:
- Billey Shiftit (125/1, 17:15 Aintree) – While the chances are slim on paper, the Evan Williams-trained eight-year-old warrants a second glance. He’s shown glimpses of form on similar ground and could represent massive value for a tiny each-way stake.
- Coolagh Magic (11/1, 18:30 Wolverhampton) – William Carson teams up with Coolagh Magic in a 6f sprint on the Tapeta. With four wins at this trip in his career, he’s no stranger to causing an upset.
- Moroder (25/1, 16:15 Taunton) – Hasn’t been at his best this season, but the drying ground and return to a Class 4 Handicap Chase could see James Best coax improvement.
For full-field insights and more each-way selections, dive into our dedicated breakdowns.
Best Bets Summary
While the card has something for everyone, these are our top recommendations for Thursday’s racing:
- Lulamba (4/7, 14:20 Aintree): The NAP of the day, Henderson’s runner looks hard to oppose.
- Jango Baie (6/5, 14:55 Aintree): Another Henderson-trained favourite who should relish the conditions.
- The New Lion (2/1, 16:05 Aintree): The value bet of the day; trust the Skelton team to deliver.
- Coolagh Magic (11/1, 18:30 Wolverhampton): Each-way value in a competitive sprint.
Be sure to check today’s full racecards and stay updated with the latest results as these picks come in. And don’t forget, tomorrow’s racing action is already shaping up — see early selections here.
