The Grand National Festival begins Thursday at Aintree with four Grade One races, and racing expert Kevin Blake has identified three value picks. After a wet winter, officials have watered the tracks to maintain soft conditions for what promises to be another exciting three days of racing. Blake, who enjoyed success at Cheltenham, hopes to replicate that form this week.

In the opening race, the Randox Foxhunters' Open Hunters' Chase at 3:30, Blake favors LETS GO CHAMP at 11/1. The 11-year-old has shown significant talent despite training challenges, with victories in point-to-points and the prestigious Tetratema Cup Hunters Chase at Gowran Park. His forward-going style and jumping technique suit the Grand National fences perfectly.

For the Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Chase at 4:40, SANS BRUIT stands out as a dominant contender. The Paul Nicholls-trained horse has won this race twice, benefiting from what Blake describes as extremely generous handicapping treatment. After winning off 130 in 2024, the handicappers dropped him 9lb for four below-par runs, then another 11lb this season despite respectable performances. Blake notes this generosity is unusual compared to Irish racing standards.

The Goffs Nickel Coin Mares' National Hunt Flat Race at 5:15 features Blake's third fancy, LENNON GROVE at 12/1. The Gavin Cromwell-trained five-year-old has point-to-point experience and showed promise with a third-place finish in a Listed mares' bumper at Sandown, where she made late gains from the rear.