David Jennings' Expert Preview and Tip Ahead Of Saturday At Cheltenham

What's the big story?

It's our first glimpse of those giant, green Grand National fences this season. Well, they might not be giant anymore, but they are still green. Although the way things are going that will probably change soon, too.

It's the BoyleSports Grand Sefton (2.40), which has attracted only 13 runners for some reason, and Latenightpass, who actually led over the second-last in the Grand National, returns to action.

It is Wincanton's big day, too, where Paul Nicholls will bid to bag the Badger Beer (3.30) for the fifth time in eight years and the fact Mofasa is his sole entry speaks volumes. You just need to listen.

So, who wins the Grand Sefton (2.40)?

Form figures of P66P would not get you giddy, but Frero Banbou really enjoyed himself in this race last year when third off a mark of 133 and he's back to try to go two places better off 3lb lower. He'll do for me – that effort in the Plate at the Cheltenham Festival is rock-solid form.

Frero Banbou14:40 Aintree

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Jky: Charlie Deutsch Tnr: Venetia Williams

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What's the bet of the day?

There are only three runners in the BetMGM Elite Hurdle (2.55) so the worst my selection can do is finish third unless there's an accident. But I think he'll win and will be disappointed if he doesn't. Brentford Hope is the best bet of the day, in either Britain or Ireland. He's improving, comes into the race on the back of the three best efforts of his career at the end of last season and could be even better this term. He's a more talented horse than Rubaud, if you ask me, and he's in receipt of 6lb from a horse who is rated 1lb inferior to him. Aspire Tower needs further.

Brentford Hope should be favourite.

Brentford Hope14:55 Wincanton

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Jky: Paul O'Brien Tnr: Harry Derham

And the lay of the day?

Guard The Moon has won his last two, but he still looks too short for the the Pertemps qualifier (1.30) at Aintree. At the prices, Harbour Lake looks much better value with the track and trip sure to suit.

Any outsiders catch the eye anywhere?

Thunderbear opened at 20-1 for the Listed Livescore Bet Wentworth Stakes (1.20) at Doncaster, what's that about? Conditions are ideal, he's in cracking form and Rossa Ryan is booked. Expect him to go off single figures.

Thunderbear13:20 Doncaster

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Jky: Rossa Ryan Tnr: Jack W Davison

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