The second of Britain's marquee spring jumps festivals begins on Thursday as the Grand National meeting kicks off at Aintree.

The famous Merseyside course has not enjoyed a full house for this meeting since 2019 but that is what they will have on the opening day, with racing from 1.45pm until 5.15pm featuring no less than four Grade 1 contests.

We have assessed the card and settled on selections for day one of the Aintree Grand National Festival.

1.45pm - SSS Super Alloys Manifesto Novices' Chase (Grade 1, 2m4f)

This cannot be classed as a strong Grade 1 and, therefore, Pic D'orhy is a worthy favourite as Paul Nicholls aims for a quick start at this meeting where he has pinned a lot of his spring hopes. 

Pic D'orhy has looked good in the main this season over fences, winning 3-5 and sets the standard, but the mare GIN ON LIME can give him a headache. 

Off since a fortunate Cheltenham win in November, even had she been second to My Drogo that day, it would have been a good effort and there may be more to come from her for Henry De Bromhead and Rachael Blackmore. 

That duo can pick up where they left off last month at the Cheltenham Festival.

LiveScore selection: Gin On Lime

2.20pm - Jewson Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 1, 2m1f)

Third in the Triumph at Cheltenham last time, Pied Piper sets the standard for Gordon Elliott and Davy Russell and has excellent claims.

Brazil won the Fred Winter in the Cotswolds and is a player, while in the same JP McManus silks, Petit Tonnerre is 3-3 over hurdles and potentially going to have plenty more to offer.

KNIGHT SALUTE is better than he showed at Cheltenham and Milton Harris' charge can bounce back now, ensuring he is a solid each-way player.

LiveScore selection: Knight Salute

2.55pm - Betway Bowl Chase (Grade 1, 3m1f)

Former winners Kemboy and Clan Des Obeaux have questions over them nowadays, while Protektorat and Royal Pagaille had very tough races in the Gold Cup at Cheltenham just 20 days ago.

Irish Gold Cup winner CONFLATED might have been second best to Allaho had he stayed upright in the Ryanair Chase and this trip around here could be ideal for him. 

He can land this prize for Gordon Elliott, Davy Russell and Gigginstown House Stud.

LiveScore selection: Conflated

3.30pm - Betway Aintree Hurdle (Grade 1, 2m4f)

Epatante and ZANAHIYR were the nearest pursuers of Honeysuckle in the Champion Hurdle last month.

Nicky Henderson's mare is a classy sort and her 7lb allowance is invaluable. 

But it is no certainty she will relish this longer trip, whereas the young Irish horse looks almost certain that he will. 

He can help Jack Kennedy land back-to-back Aintree Hurdle wins.

LiveScore selection: Zanahiyr

4.05pm - Randox Foxhunters' Open Hunters' Chase (2m5f)

Lots of possibilities here. 

Jett is the class act and is a massive danger to all, while last year's winner Cousin Pascal joins Cat Tiger, Porlock Bay and Pont Aven in having a chance. 

But MYTH BUSTER has the eye-catching booking of Patrick Mullins and he was a very easy winner of a hunter chase at Musselburgh on stable bow for the Bradstock yard in February, so he has taken to outrun generous odds.

LiveScore selection: Myth Buster

4.40pm - Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Chase (Grade 3, 2m)

A devilish contest. THYME WHITE skipped Cheltenham on account of soft ground and was unable to concede 11lb to an improving winner when finishing second at Ascot since.

That was his first start in three months, however, and he should be sharper for it. 

Bryony Frost's mount can go well here from an unchanged mark.

LiveScore selection: Thyme White

5.15pm - Goffs UK Nickel Coin Mares' Standard Open NH Flat Race (Grade 2, 2m1f)

The market should reflect just how open this contest is. 

Ashroe Diamond represents Willie and Patrick Mullins, a fearsome combination in bumpers, and was beaten less than a length in a quality Grade 2 Mares event at the Dublin Racing Festival.

She is a contender but this track may well suit ROSY REDRUM, a stylish scorer on debut at Wincanton in January and runner-up since in a Newbury Listed contest behind a smart gelding.

LiveScore selection: Rosy Redrum

The latest Aintree markets are available at LiveScore Bet.