Horse racing betting tips: The cap will fit perfectly for Fry in Stayers Hurdle

WHILE the majority of the country will only care about the Grand National from a racing perspective, punters will be just as interested in the undercard.

The second biggest race of the day is the Ryanair Stayers Hurdle (3.40pm), where Apple’s Jade will try to bounce back from a disappointing performance in last month’s Champion Hurdle.

That was the second year in a row she has disappointed at Prestbury Park, although there was an excuse as she scoped dirty after the race.

Prior to that effort she had been absolutely brilliant this season and she is sure to attract plenty of support.

The question you have to ask yourself is whether you’re willing to forgive that run just three and a half weeks ago.

At a general 7/4 I’m not and I would rather back Harry Fry’s IF THE CAP FITS each-way at 6/1 with Betfair.

Aintree has been the plan for this horse all season, in either this race or the 2m4f Aintree Hurdle.

In all his runs this season, the son of Milan has shaped like a real stayer and Fry has decided to apply a pair of cheekpieces for the first time.

Last time at Fontwell, he raced very lazily and actually did remarkably well to finish as close to Vision Des

Flos as he did.

The combination of the step up in trip and headgear may well work the oracle and he is one of very few unexposed horses in this field.

Sam Spinner returned to form at Cheltenham, but he has to follow that up here, while Roksana was a fortunate winner of the Mares’ Hurdle.

The card gets underway with the Gaskells Handicap Hurdle (1.45pm), a hugely competitive 3m½f handicap

hurdle.

We won’t know the final declara-tions until later this morning, but Gordon Elliott could have a powerful hand with the likes of Sire Du Berlais, Dallas Des Pictons and Defi Bleu all entered.

However, we saw at Cheltenham in a number of the handicaps that the cream often rises to the top which

draws me to the chances of AUX PTIT SOINS.

Dan Skelton’s nine-year-old absolutely bolted up in a handicap hurdle at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day, a performance which saw him sent off just 9/2 for the Cleeve Hurdle.

He disappointed in that, but a mistake two out didn’t help and he will appreciate the drop back to handicap company.

The Skelton yard continues to fire on all cylinders and 14/1 with Betfair looks a more than fair each-way price.

Lalor has won at this meeting for the last two years, so he has to be greatly respected in the Doom Bar Maghull Novices’ Chase (3.00pm).

The problem is he ran so badly in the Arkle that it requires a massive leap of faith to back him here at a best price 4/1 with Coral.

Us And Them stayed on to take second in that race, but I could see one or two having too much speed for him.

I’m hoping one is CLONDAW CASTLE as he travelled brilliantly coming down the hill in the Arkle only to find the stamina-sapping climb back up it a bridge too far.

I loved the way he jumped that day and it has to be significant that Tom George is willing to forego a handicap mark of 144 for the second time and go for another Grade One.

George’s horses are in great form and he tends to do well at this meeting, so Clondaw Castle is the selection

at 4/1 with Ladbrokes.

Tim Vaughan won the Betway Handicap Chase (4.20pm) in 2012 with Saint Are and he can repeat the trick

with DEBECE.

The Welsh handler has never hidden his admiration for this horse who was third to The World’s End in the Grade One Sefton Novices’ Hurdle at this meeting two years ago.

He has won two of his three starts over fences and you get the feeling this has been the plan.

Take the 9/1 with Ladbrokes.