The bookies got the best of the opening day of the Grand National meeting at Aintree on Thursday.

Big priced winners included 40/1 Orsippus in the 14.35; 50/1 Silver Adonis in the 15.45 Foxhunters and 20/1 Chaninbar in the 16.20.

Unsurprisingly the Jackpot was not won and the Placepot – for getting placed horses in the opening six races - paid over £300 for £1, despite the fact that the meetings banker Big Bucks landed odds of 3/10 (1.30) in the opener.

Having deposited their ill gotten into the local banks overnight the chalkmen will be pitching up on Friday with some enthusiasm for the second instalment of the Liverpool meet.

Fortunately the 4to1.com gallops watchers stayed out of the opening day skirmishes. But we will be moving into the ring on Friday.

Front runners went particularly well on Thursday and if the going remains fast the likes of Monets Garden – an 8/1 overnight chance in the 15.10 – could be very hard to peg back.

The Ruby Walsh ridden Pasco and DJ Casey mount Offshore Account are the 8/1 early joint jollies for the Topham Chase - the mini version of the National - at 15.45.

We have a couple of big each way shots, 40/1 and 25/1 respectively, that should be in the mix as the leaders approach the famous run in, given a bit of luck in running.

Plus we have to play in the opener. Our selection won so impressively recently that we have to take the 3/1 (4.00) on offer.

Details are below.

14.00 ESCORTSMEN to win 15.45 MAGIC SKY & ALWAYS WAINING Both each way ALWAYS WAINING WON

TIP Expires:2010-04-09 15:40:00

Another 4to1.com WINNER!

COST was £FREE