UK racing tips: Nicholls set for good afternoon on day one of Aintree

Ground staff make the final preparations to the water jump at Aintree, ahead of the Randox Grand National Festival. Picture: David Davies/PA Wire for the Jockey Club

Clan Des Obeaux can help ease Paul Nicholls ever closer to a 13th trainers' title by taking the Betway Bowl Chase, one of four Grade One contests on the opening day of the Grand National meeting at Aintree.

The 10-year-old won this race last year by 26 lengths, having been beaten previously in the Denman Chase at Newbury.