April 03 / 14.20 Aintree

14.20

Good To Soft

Boodles Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £61897
  • 2m 0f 209y
  • Class 1
  • 13 runners
ITV
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Boodles Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly sunny

Form: 311 D

Last run: 32 days

W: 11st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Fairly useful on Flat for Charlie Johnston and going the right way over hurdles, winning 2m juvenile races at Warwick (soft) and Huntingdon (good to soft) in recent months; stable jockey Paul O'Brien partnered him at Huntingdon but is on Filibustering this time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

11th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 11y

Class 2

16:00 Chepstow

Aviemore

11st 2lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

Useful Flat racer who took pretty well to hurdling last season, winning at Warwick (soft) and Huntingdon (good to soft); pulled up in Aintree festival Grade 1 in April and made low-key reappearance on the Flat last month but can feature here if aided by first-time cheekpieces.

9/2

13th

4

(3)

11th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

1m 3f 197y

Class 3

17:15 Doncaster

Aviemore

9st 12lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Harry Derham

Fairly useful on Flat for Charlie Johnston, winning over about 1m2f at Ayr and Chester last term; also won two 2m juvenile hurdles early this year, by 20l on second occasion, but pulled up when 28-1 in the Aintree Grade 1 in April; off since and needs to be in peak Flat form.

16/1

1

3rd Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 209y

Class 1

14:20 Aintree

Aviemore

11st 2lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Harry Derham

Fairly useful on Flat for Charlie Johnston and going the right way over hurdles, winning 2m juvenile races at Warwick (soft) and Huntingdon (good to soft) in recent months; stable jockey Paul O'Brien partnered him at Huntingdon but is on Filibustering this time.

33/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Poniros showed it is possible to win a Grade 1 juvenile on hurdle debut at Cheltenham recently but he was battle hardened from some strong handicaps on the Flat, whereas this son of Mastercraftsman has had only one start on the level, winning a 1m4f conditions event in France (good to soft) in September; can only be watched.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(12)

22nd Sep 2025

Yielding To Soft

1m 6f 55y

17:25 Listowel

Coconut Grove

9st 13lb

J: Miss A B O’Connor

T: Niall Madden

Won a 1m4f French conditions event (good to soft) on debut last September; struggled in two hurdle starts for Harry Fry and hasn't beaten a rival in two starts for current yard; can only be watched for now; makes handicap debut.

33/1

1

(8)

1st Sep 2025

Good To Yielding

1m 2f 63y

17:45 Roscommon

Coconut Grove

10st 0lb

J: Miss A B O’Connor

T: Niall Madden

Won 1m4f French conditions event (good to soft) on debut last September; struggled in two hurdles starts for Harry Fry and last of 7 on Irish debut in 1m6f Galway conditions event last month; can only be watched.

50/1

7th

3

(4)

1st Aug 2025

Soft

1m 6f 14y

20:10 Galway

Coconut Grove

9st 9lb

J: Miss A B O’Connor

T: Niall Madden

Won a 1m4f French conditions event (good to soft) on debut last September; struggled in two hurdles starts for Harry Fry, pulled up in a Grade 1 and tailed off in a maiden hurdle at Worcester when last seen in May; makes stable debut here but unlikely to feature.

40/1

OUR TIP

Form: 1 D

Last run: 33 days

W: 11st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Developed into a quite useful middle-distance stayer on the Flat for Tim Easterby and made a promising start to his hurdle career for new connections with a comfortable all-the-way success at Kelso (2m, good to soft) last month; tougher ask trying to dominate this field but he's very promising and Paul O'Brien seemingly prefers him to stablemate Aviemore.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

7

(6)

27th May 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 4

21:00 Kempton (AW)

Filibustering

9st 7lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Harry Derham

Tongue-tie went on for six-runner handicaps on his last two hurdle races (2m1f/2m) and he won them both; his last Flat race was in 2024 for Tim Easterby and that was a pretty solid campaign; acts on Tapeta, unraced on Polytrack; needs to be at his best on return to Flat but no shock if he's a major player.

6/1

1st

2

2nd May 2026

Good

2m 0f 48y

Class 3

18:45 Hexham

Filibustering

11st 5lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Harry Derham

Back to form in first-time tongue-tie when winning at Newcastle last time (2m1f, good; third has since won on the Flat); up 4lb; chance.

9/4

1st

4

11th Apr 2026

Good

2m 0f 190y

Class 4

15:25 Newcastle

Filibustering

11st 5lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Harry Derham

Hasn't kicked on since making winning hurdles/stable debut at Kelso (2m, juvenile) in March 2025, failing to see out races at Doncaster, Kelso, and Ludlow; hopes are pinned on a revival with an added tongue-tie; trainer is 5-11 (45%) over jumps here in the last five years.

5/1

Form: 11P D

Last run: 20 days

W: 11st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Fairly useful on Flat in Ireland and quickly translated that ability to hurdles for new connections, winning a maiden at Sedgefield (2m1f, soft) and Victor Ludorum at Haydock (1m7f, good to soft; beat Give It To Me Oj by 6l) on first two starts; weakened after pulling too hard in the Triumph at Cheltenham (2m1f, good to soft) last month and is now equipped with a hood.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

5

9th May 2026

Good

1m 7f 144y

Class 1

13:15 Haydock

Gibbs Island

11st 6lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Tom Lacey

Easy winner at Chepstow (2m, good) last October and he took a big step back in right direction when seventh of 23 in the County at Cheltenham (2m1f, soft); missed the Scottish Champion Hurdle last month due to heavy ground; still only five and he's 1lb lower than in the County; major player.

9/2

7th

17

13th Mar 2026

Good

2m 0f 179y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Gibbs Island

10st 6lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Tom Lacey

Soft-ground maiden hurdle winner last season; impressed in 4yo handicap at Chepstow (2m, good) on reappearance in October but has failed to shine in his three outings since; has a hood fitted for a second time.

40/1

Form: 321 D

Last run: 34 days

W: 11st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Third to East India Dock and Hot Fuss at Wincanton (1m7f, good) and 6l second to Gibbs Island at Haydock (1m7f, good to soft) in his first two hurdle races, before justifying short-priced favouritism at Newbury (2m, soft) five weeks ago, his first success under either code; probably has more to offer but a good chunk of improvement will be needed to get heavily involved.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

(4)

22nd May 2026

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

15:07 Goodwood

Give It To Me Oj

9st 10lb

J: Tom Queally

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Acts on soft; can make the running; won six (four over hurdles, two on Flat) of seven starts in a golden spell last February-October; soundly beaten over hurdles on latest three outings (in tough races on last two) and unraced beyond 1m4f on Flat, but he can't be comfortably dismissed in this small field.

2/1

18th

16

11th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:40 Cheltenham

Give It To Me Oj

10st 13lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Has set the pace in small fields; won six (four over hurdles, two on Flat) of seven starts in a golden spell last February-October, the final leg in a conditions event at this track; soundly beaten on both starts since (admittedly no chance in Grade 1 latest) and unraced beyond 2m1f, leaving him with plenty to prove in this search for a big career best.

33/1

1st

2

25th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 87y

Class 2

15:30 Cheltenham

Give It To Me Oj

11st 0lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Now has a mark of 90 on the Flat after last month's back-to-back 1m4f wins at Epsom; returns to hurdling on a high, therefore, and last season went well, finishing fourth in a Grade 1 at Aintree and three wins including a notable handicap performance in beating mostly older opposition under a big weight at Sandown; he's the standard-setter by some margin and all ground comes alike.

1/2

Form: 11 D

Last run: 50 days

W: 11st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Made a winning debut at Auteuil (2m2f, heavy) in October and had little difficulty landing very short odds in a Wetherby juvenile hurdle (2m, soft) for new connections in February; it was a weak race at Wetherby but he could no more than win easily and has the potential for significant improvement.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

16th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Windsor

Live Conti

12st 0lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

2-2 (heavy/soft) prior to 6l second in Grade 1 juvenile hurdle at Aintree (2m1f, good to soft) last April; pulled hard and down the field behind Wilful on handicap/seasonal debut at Ascot (1m7f, good to soft) but could settle better now in a hood; a tongue-tie is also applied; retains potential and he's Harry Skelton's mount among Dan Skelton's four runners; interesting.

8/1

2nd

6

3rd Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 209y

Class 1

14:20 Aintree

Live Conti

11st 2lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

took keen hold, soon raced in third, jumped left and hit 2nd, went second 3 out

4/1

6

3rd Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 209y

Class 1

14:20 Aintree

Live Conti

11st 2lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Made a winning debut at Auteuil (2m2f, heavy) in October and had little difficulty landing very short odds in a Wetherby juvenile hurdle (2m, soft) for new connections in February; it was a weak race at Wetherby but he could no more than win easily and has the potential for significant improvement.

4/1

Form: 35-2P1 D

Last run: 40 days

W: 11st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Bought for 450,000euros after placing in two of his three hurdle races in France; raced too freely when pulled up in Grade 2 at Cheltenham (soft) on British debut but showed why new connections went to such a big amount to acquire him when winning the Adonis at Kempton (2m, good to soft) in February; that doesn't look strong Grade 2 form, though.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

5

9th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 200y

Class 1

14:20 Aintree

Mambonumberfive

11st 7lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Comes here fresh having bypassed the Cheltenham Festival and been absent since a Kingmaker defeat that is perhaps best forgiven due to the heavy ground; 3-3 over fences otherwise, including 2m wins at Aintree (handicap) and Kempton (Grade 2, readily); may resume improvement, provided he stays the new trip.

14/1

3rd

2

7th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 0f 54y

Class 1

13:50 Warwick

Mambonumberfive

11st 5lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Rapidly progressive 5yo who won Grade 2 novice at Kempton (2m, good) over Christmas, having made stylish headway from the rear, and is now 3-3 over fences; had placed form over hurdles on heavy ground when based in France and could still be anything.

6/4

Form: 714 D

Last run: 98 days

W: 11st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 138

Form & Verdict
Flat maiden winner on good; only seventh on soft-ground hurdle debut but much improved when seeing off Willy De Houelle to win Grade 3 at Fairyhouse (yielding) just eight days later; had that reopposing rival behind him again when a respectable fourth under a penalty in Grade 2 at the Leopardstown Christmas meeting and arrives as a fresh horse with potential.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

1st Jul 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 120y

13:48 Tipperary

Naturally Nimble

11st 0lb

J: J J Slevin

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Flat maiden winner was a smart juvenile hurdler last season, winning a Grade 3, but was below form in cheekpieces at Punchestown; beaten a long way in a Flat handicap at the Curragh since; however, has a chance if his jumping holds up on chasing bow.

8/1

5

(17)

25th May 2025

Good

1m 6f 0y

16:50 Curragh

Naturally Nimble

9st 6lb

J: Declan McDonogh

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

One of two runners for yard; won a 1m2f Navan maiden when last seen on the level last September; Grade 3 juvenile hurdle winner since though was below form at Punchestown last time; respected back in this sphere.

9/1

18th

5

(17)

25th May 2025

Good

1m 6f 0y

16:50 Curragh

Naturally Nimble

9st 6lb

J: Declan McDonogh

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

One of two runners for yard; won a 1m2f Navan maiden when last seen on the level last September; Grade 3 juvenile hurdle winner since though was below form at Punchestown last time; respected back in this sphere.

9/1

Form: 3121 D

Last run: 23 days

W: 11st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 143

Form & Verdict
Big improver back on a sounder surface when a comfortable winner of the Fred Winter handicap at the Cheltenham Festival (extended 2m, good to soft) 23 days ago, cruising into it and drawing 6l clear from the last for only hand riding; definitely capable of better and can take the step up to Grade 1 level in his stride.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

10

(17)

8th May 2026

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 2

15:05 Chester

Puturhandstogether

8st 11lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

One of three for Joseph O'Brien; won 4yo handicap hurdle at 2025 Cheltenham Festival and also took a huge prize for last September's Irish Cesarewitch on Flat at the Curragh (2m1f, yielding); underwhelming in his three handicap hurdles in November-April, which is a concern, as is today's widest stall, but his Curragh win (bursting clear 1f out) was delivered with considerably more authority than the winning margin suggests; respected.

9/1

13th

3

4th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

2m 0f 0y

17:00 Fairyhouse

Puturhandstogether

11st 5lb

J: Aidan Kelly

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Last season's Fred Winter winner at Cheltenham never threatened on return there last month in 2m5f Coral Cup; previously hampered at least twice when well held behind Zillow over today's C&D; Walsh prefers Davy Crockett.

16/1

16th

8

11th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:40 Cheltenham

Puturhandstogether

11st 5lb

J: J J Slevin

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

It was never in doubt once his jockey pressed the button in last season's Fred Winter at this meeting (2m, good to soft) and much the same when he landed a huge pot in the Irish Cesarewitch on Flat (2m1f) in September; whether he's on a good mark is an issue but he may have found 2m at Listowel sharper than ideal when runner-up in September and this marked step up in trip is an interesting move; big-race performer who has to be given a close look.

11/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Fair 1m2f Flat winner for this yard last year but surely being asked too big a question on this hurdle debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

12

(6)

8th May 2026

Good

1m 4f 63y

Class 4

17:20 Chester

Terrorise

9st 5lb

J: Shay Farmer

T: Brian Ellison

Ended last season in poor form and, despite a subsequent wind op, also looked out of sorts when back in action last month; needs to get career back on track and is probably better suited by longer trips than this now.

20/1

13th

7

(9)

12th Apr 2026

Good

1m 4f 104y

Class 4

17:45 Musselburgh

Terrorise

9st 4lb

J: Ben Robinson

T: Brian Ellison

Won a novice hurdle last May and convincingly at York (2m, good to firm; 4lb higher today) in July; however, comfortably held twice off his revised mark, before a heavy defeat in October when last seen; had wind surgery last month and perhaps best watched this time.

25/1

Form: 3176 D

Last run: 23 days

W: 11st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 137

Form & Verdict
Won a Leopardstown maiden (2m, yielding) just after Christmas; produced quite a useful performance under joint top weight when sixth of 20 finishers to Puturhandstogether (who received 6lb) in the Fred Winter at Cheltenham but well held in a Grade 1 at Leopardstown prior to that and it's unlikely he'll turn the tables on Joseph O'Brien's charge.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

20th

14

13th Mar 2026

Good

2m 4f 56y

Class 2

17:20 Cheltenham

Wendrock

11st 5lb

J: Carl Millar

T: Gordon Elliott

Only 1-10 over hurdles but shaped very well, making eye-catching late headway from a difficult position, in Listed handicap at Leopardstown (good to yielding; penultimate start) on sole 2m4f attempt and only outing under Carl Millar; good sixth, staying on, in the Fred Winter over 2m at this meeting last year; interesting contender who has potential at this trip.

9/1

8

2nd Feb 2026

Heavy

3m 0f 19y

14:25 Leopardstown

Wendrock

10st 9lb

J: Josh Williamson

T: Gordon Elliott

Useful juvenile last season but yet to prove he's trained on, most recently set plenty to do when strong-finishing fifth of 16 (to Champagne Kid) over 2m5f here at Christmas; interesting now upped in trip.

14/1

Form: 2-2640 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 11st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 138

Form & Verdict
French debut winner; has some useful form in defeat since, notably his fourth in a Leopardstown Grade 1 (2m, soft) in February, but he needs to bounce back from a poor run in the Triumph at Cheltenham and Paul Townend sides with Murcia.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

3rd Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 209y

Class 1

14:20 Aintree

Willy De Houelle

11st 2lb

J: Rachael Blackmore

T: W P Mullins

took keen hold, towards rear, mistake 3rd, fell heavily 4 out

16/1

12

3rd Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 209y

Class 1

14:20 Aintree

Willy De Houelle

11st 2lb

J: Rachael Blackmore

T: W P Mullins

French debut winner; has some useful form in defeat since, notably his fourth in a Leopardstown Grade 1 (2m, soft) in February, but he needs to bounce back from a poor run in the Triumph at Cheltenham and Paul Townend sides with Murcia.

16/1

11th

13

14th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 179y

Class 1

13:20 Cheltenham

Willy De Houelle

11st 2lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: W P Mullins

Ex-French; turned over at 1-4 on yard debut in December (Grade 3) before two supporting roles when hooded (also tongue tied latest) in better races at Leopardstown won by Hello Neighbour; 18-1, held up last in only a partially successful attempt to settle him on latest outing but he ran on into fourth of eight in that steadily run Grade 1, his best form; better may be possible in different circumstances, such as a more strongly run race here.

40/1

Form: 331828 D

Last run: 23 days

W: 10st 9lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 136

Form & Verdict
Won an Auteuil Listed hurdle last summer; bettered that form when narrowly denied in a Naas rated event (1m7f, soft) in February and ran to a similar level when eighth of 20 finishers to Puturhandstogether (who received 6lb) under joint top weight in the Fred Winter at Cheltenham; whether a 13lb swing in the weights will be enough for her to get the better of her Cheltenham conqueror remains to be seen but she's a place contender at the least for a stable with a good record in this race with fillies.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

30th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 100y

14:06 Listowel

Murcia

11st 7lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: W P Mullins

Top-rated here at 138; won Grade 1 at Aintree in April 2025, her last start on ground with good in the description; below best in hot handicaps this year but better expected now back on a sounder surface; giving weight away to most of her rivals but the one to beat.

13/8

16th

2

28th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 0f 132y

15:40 Punchestown

Murcia

11st 1lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

Grade 1 Juvenile winner at Aintree (2m1f, gd-sft) last year; has come up dry since, beaten similar distances in first three handicaps; dropped 1lb for an 11l fifth behind Kalix Delabarriere on latest and Townend takes over now; drying ground a plus and could go well.

11/2

5th

4

4th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

2m 0f 0y

17:00 Fairyhouse

Murcia

11st 2lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: W P Mullins

Won a Grade 1 juvenile hurdle at Aintree last year; lightly raced this season, but DRF fourth of 19 to Bowensonfire in 2m handicap was a fine run; didn't count in County Hurdle latest but can't be discounted.

12/1

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Puturhandstogether

RP RATINGS:

Murcia

The Guardian:

Live Conti

WEST COUNTRY:

Coconut Grove

LAMBOURN:

Aviemore

TOPSPEED:

Murcia

POSTDATA:

Murcia

The Times:

Puturhandstogether

Telegraph:

Puturhandstogether

Daily Mail:

Puturhandstogether

D Express:

Puturhandstogether

Daily Mirror:

Puturhandstogether

The Star:

Puturhandstogether

Daily Record:

Puturhandstogether