AINTREE was fabulous yesterday. Quality racing on perfect ground, and not too big a crowd, so getting to the bar was easy! Of our Daily Punt horses, Activial folded tamely but Claret Cloak ran well to be third. Maybe the race just came too soon after Cheltenham. The racing looks more open on day two but the horse I really like is in the 4.50. I was at Carlisle on a miserably wet Monday last November when STONEBROOK fairly hosed up in a bumper. He made a huge impression and has continued to progress. He is thrown into a competitive handicap today but with AP McCoy on board and an attractive racing weight he looks very interesting.

The Topham is wide open but TATENEN has been a rejuvenated horse this season. He will love the ground (unless the overnight rain really gets in) and has experience of the National fences, albeit he has hit the deck twice. He is a slightly speculative selection but could be worth an each-way nibble.

Finally, although Josses Hill will be very hard to beat if he brings his A-game, the sharp two miles could be right up the street of Imperial Cup winner BALTIMORE ROCK. He is a strong traveller and offers more value than the warm favourite.

1pt win Baltimore Rock
0.5pt ew Tatenen
2pt win Stonebrook