Aintree Grand National Meeting Day 2 Preview

 After a fantastic first day's action at Aintree, we're set for the second leg of jumps racing though you suspect most punters will have their eyes firmly-fixed on Saturday's 4m4f showpiece. Several graded contests get the day rolling and most will hope the conditions prove as exciting as Day 1 – where Big Buck's made history and rattled off his 17^th win in a row – matching a modern National Hunt record by doing so.

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The day's first race is the Tangle Teaser Top Novices' Hurdle, which shapes up as a Grade 2 event. Nicky Henderson saddles Captain Conan and he was a beaten favourite last time out at Kelso with AP in the irons first time, he goes back to Barry Geraghty for this one and should kick on nicely from the mark of 142. He is very well-bred for a jumper with Kingmambo and Sadler's Wells on the second line in his pedigree.

Oscara Dara looks a tricky selection in this one and certainly knows how to find the line while debut selection Toughness Danon could be set to deliver at a very high price and wasn't pointed at this race randomly – clearly they think he's capable of something special.

The Grade 2 Mildmay Novices' Chase sees only five runners set to contest this one with Champion Court and Silviniaco Conti set to tangle for the betting favourites' position. Join Together might have something to say about this one while Solix has cooled off a bit since a back-to-back series of wins to start off the season.

Fan-favourite Forpadydeplasterer returns in the Melling Chase, a Grade 1 contest, and Finian's Rainbow is sure to attract the bulk of the wagering attentnion while Albertas Run should not be disregarded as well. Poequelin comes into form while much will be expected of Kauto Stone though this might be a step too far too soon.

A massive field contests the Topham Chase and It's a very sizable handicap with Tartak at the top end of it carrying 11-12. Harry Topper boasts some solid work in recent months while Hawkes Point and Knock A Hand both look to be in good form.

Ipsos Du Berlais might be worth keeping an eye on with Davy Russell opting for the mount.

The next race is the Punters' Club Handicap Hurdle and this is really the trickiest field of the day. Lava Lamp, a gelded son of Shamardal deserves a look, as does the Jonjo/AP tandem with It's A Gimme. I'm So Lucky turns out for David Pipe and could be dangerous as well.

There's a bumper to close out the card and it appears to be all about Call Me A Star, who rides under Robert Thornton. Undefeated contender Diligent could impress.