Aintree best bet: Willie Mullins targets Mersey Hurdle glory with Jimmy Du Seuil

13:55 - Turners Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (2 miles 4 furlongs)

The withdrawal of Paul Nicholls’ well-fancied Caldwell Potter has removed one of the main challengers to the short-priced favourite Brighterdaysahead, who looks to be the one to beat here.

The Gordon Elliott-trained mare included Grade 3 and Listed novice hurdle wins among the five that kickstarted her career, and it was therefore something of a surprise when she failed to land the odds in the Ryanair Mares’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

Planet Sport Bet: Bet £20+ cash on any runner in the race and if Brighterdaysahead wins by more than 3 lengths, get a £5 Free Bet!

She still ran well enough and should be even better suited by this longer trip, but the question marks that remain might just leave the door ajar for Jimmy Du Seuil to pounce for Willie Mullins.

Acquired from France last summer, this five-year-old opened his new stable account at the second attempt in heavy conditions at Clonmel in January. 

He was the pitched straight into the Cheltenham Festival, where he was understandably no match for odds-on favourite Ballyburn in the Gallagher Hurdle, but his runner-up spot at 66/1 still caught the eye as he appeared to relish the step up in trip and finished comfortably clear of his re-opposing stablemate Ile Atlantique.

Paul Townend was aboard Ballyburn that day, and it is perhaps significant that he has opted to ride Jimmy Du Seuil here, and his presence in the saddle certainly enhances the gelding’s chances further here.

Suggested bet: Jimmy Du Seuil to win the 13:55 at Aintree

• Tip advised by Off The Bridle Racing on Tipstrr

Mersey Hurdle last 5 winners

• 2023 Irish Point 5/1 
• 2022 Three Stripe Life 5/2F
• 2021 My Drogo 5/4F 
• 2019 Reserve Tank 20/1
• 2018 Black Op 3/1

READ MORE: Saturday ITV Racing Tips: Best bets for Grand National Day at Aintree on April 13