Grand National Festival tips plus best bets for Bangor On Dee, Newcastle and Thirsk

dailyrecord.co.uk:

RUN WILD FRED (5.15) can gallop all over a top-class field in the Grand National on Day 3 at Aintree. Gordon Elliott and Team Gigginstown know exactly how to land the world’s greatest horse race.And they have another gilt-edged contender this time round in the shape of this admirable chaser.A Grade 3-winning hurdler, the eight-year-old failed to sparkle over 2m 4f in his early novice career.However, he relished tackling three miles when a good second to Longhouse Poet at Punchestown.The gelding showed his liking for tough handicaps when a gallant second in the Thyestes at Gowran.He raised his game again when chasing home Freewheelin Dylan in the Irish National at Fairyhouse.The chaser deservedly landed a big prize of his own when routing Farclas in the Troytown at Navan.The son of Shantou proved he had class as well as guts when second in a Leopardstown Grade 1.

He ran another stormer when giving Stattler most resistance in the National Hunt at Cheltenham. The star is tailor-made for Aintree glory so he can storm clear under National expert Davy Russell.J'AI FROID (1:45) can turn up the heat for Laura Morgan in the trappy EFT Handicap Hurdle.

The nine-year-old developed into a very useful stayer over timber in the early months of 2021.He was only denied a five-timer by the fast-improving Hometown Boy in this race 12 months ago.Switched to fences, the gelding didn’t exactly set the heather on fire on his first two outings.However, he definitely wasn’t disgraced when fourth in the Reynoldstown at Ascot last time.The bay remains fairly-treated over hurdles so he can resume winning ways for his shrewd yard.WALKING ON AIR (2:25) can soar for Nicky Henderson in the Betway Mersey Novices’ Hurdle.