Grand National Festival tips plus best bets for Ffos Las, Taunton, Chelmsford and Limerick

PROTEKTORAT (2:55) is a safe bet in the Betway Bowl Chase on Day 1 of the Grand National Meeting at Aintree.

We had thrills at last week's Scottish Grand National and expect more on Merseyside.

Dan Skelton’s star absolutely bolted up from The Shunter in the Manifesto here 12 months ago.

He ran another stormer when chinned by Midnight Shadow in the Paddy Power at Cheltenham.

The gelding was staying-on on well up the hill leading Skelton to target a 3m 1f Grade 2 back here.

That proved a very wise decision as the seven-year-old old totally dominated a high-class field.

However, he really excelled himself when a bold third to A Plus Tard in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

That is the best form on offer in a hot Grade 1 so this class act can enjoy more glory on Merseyside.

The top trainer can add the Randox Foxhunters' Chase to his tally with MARRACUDJA (4:05).

The gelding was good enough to finish third to Defi Du Seuil in the 2020 Clarence House at Ascot.

He put in his best shift since when hammering Darebin on his comeback at Fontwell in October.

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Not as good in handicaps afterwards, he was a fair third to Wagner on his hunter debut at Hereford.

The 11-year-old built on that effort when comfortably