Richard Johnson’s Aintree Day 3 Tips: Perceval Legallois can bag the big one

It’s Grand National Day, the Greatest Show on Turf! We’re back on course at Aintree with four-time Champion Jockey Richard Johnson as he gives us his bets for the big race and supporting cast on Saturday.

Richard rode in the Grand National a record 21 times, and whilst he finished runner-up twice, aboard Whats Up Boys in 2002 and Balthazar King in 2014, he never managed to land the big one during his glittering career in the saddle. Richard backed two horses to victory on Friday and he will be hoping for more success today.

Day 3 Aintree

All eyes are on the Grand National at 16.00, where last year’s winner, I Am Maximus is bidding to join the likes of Red Rum and Tiger Roll in winning the race multiple times, having romped to victory last year.

Owner JP McManus has three at the top of the betting. The aforementioned I Am Maximus, along with Iroko, trained by Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero.

It’s Perceval Legallois who Richard fancies to land the big prize on Saturday, who is trained by Gavin Cromwell. The four-time champion jockey also likes the look of Bravemansgame and Broadway Boy for E/W selections.

The first race of the day is Handicap Hurdle at 13:20, and Richard has picked out Dan Skelton's Catch Him Derry to win this one.

Elsewhere, Richard has a runner himself in the Freebooter Handicap Chase at 14:30, the shape of Imperial Saint, so that is of course who RJ is backing in this one.

Trained by Richard’s old boss, Philip Hobbs and Johnson White, he won at Aintree in October, November and December! Beaten on his last two starts, Saturday will have been the target for this future Grand National hopeful.

Elsewhere on the card, the Grade 1 Mersey Novices’ Hurdle is at 13:55, and it is Paul Nicholls' Regent's Stroll who has caught Richard's eye.

The other Grade 1 on Saturday’s Aintree card is the Liverpool Hurdle (15:05), where Stayers’ Hurdle beaten favourite Teahupoo seeks redemption. Richard is backing Gordon Elliott's star to bounce back here, while he also likes the look of Monmiral at a much bigger price.