Coral Racing Ambassador, Sean Bowen, previews his two rides on the first day of the Grand National Festival at Aintree, including Stencil in the JP McManus silks who he rides for the first time. 

13:45 Aintree – Ammes

I kick things off with Ammes in the opener at Aintree. He was a bit disappointing at Cheltenham in a handicap and this is obviously a tougher assignment stepping into a Grade 1. That said, I do think the track at Aintree could suit him better, he’s had a run over hurdles since which should help and there’s every chance he can step forward from Cheltenham.

He’ll need to improve a fair bit, more than just a little, but we’re hoping the conditions here can bring out that progress.

16:40 Aintree – Stencil

I ride Stencil later on and he’s a horse I haven’t sat on before. He’s shown some nice novice form this season but at Cheltenham, he was a bit too keen and didn’t do things quite right over 2m5f, although he still ran respectably considering.

Dropping back to two miles on a flatter track like Aintree should suit him much better, and if he settles and gets into a rhythm, I think he’s capable of running a big race.

Aintree Hurdle Preview

I don’t have a ride in the Aintree Hurdle, but it looks like a really solid race. You’ve got the likes of The New Lion and Brighterdaysahead coming here after Cheltenham, which gives it a strong look.

The New Lion ran a great race at Cheltenham and that run might just bring him forward again, as he hadn’t had a hard race earlier in the season. He could easily step up on that.

Then there’s Brighterdaysahead, who is a very good mare and seems to enjoy it around Aintree. I’d love to see her go and win it, she definitely has the ability to do so.

Sean Bowen, Coral Racing Ambassador