October 27 / 15.35 Aintree

15.35

Good

Virgin Bet Daily Extra Places Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £18210.5
  • 2m 4f 0y
  • Class 2
  • 9 runners
ITV
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Virgin Bet Daily Extra Places Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

Runners: 9 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Scattered showers

Form: 2511-4 C

Last run: 176 days

W: 12st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
Highly progressive over fences last season, winning the big 3m1f handicap at the Grand National meeting here; has to transfer that improvement back to hurdles but he has a lower mark in this sphere and was 2-4 in novice hurdles in 2022-23; not ruled out; non-runner on account of good ground at Cheltenham yesterday.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

23rd May 2026

Good

3m 0f 30y

Class 2

16:10 Bangor-on-Dee

Cruz Control

11st 8lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Tom Lacey

Took big step back in right direction when fifth at Aintree (3m1f, good to soft) last month, in race he won the previous two seasons; still on a workable mark and has a fighting chance here if first-time cheekpieces have any positive effect.

9/4

5th

9

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

14:30 Aintree

Cruz Control

11st 9lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Tom Lacey

Has failed to show his form in both outings this term but a revival looks highly likely back at Aintree on return from four-month break; 2-2 over fences at this venue, namely wins in this race for the last two years (good/good to soft); had a similar prep when winning by 5l off just 1lb lower 12 months ago; commands respect in the hat-trick attempt.

11/2

OUR TIP

Form: 16010-

Last run: 193 days

W: 11st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
His form was up and down during last season's novice campaign but he won three times (2m-2m5f, good to soft), including a Grade 2 at Haydock; trainer has won the last two runnings; entitled to respect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

19th Apr 2026

Good

3m 0f 217y

Class 2

15:27 Plumpton

Kamsinas

11st 13lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Fergal O’Brien

Has faced a couple of difficult tasks since returned to hurdles but was beaten when taking a late fall returned to handicap level most recently; can be opposed off current mark in this deeper field.

16/1

2

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 84y

Class 2

16:15 Doncaster

Kamsinas

11st 11lb

J: Fern O’Brien

T: Fergal O’Brien

Second in two small-field chases this season before reverting to hurdles at big odds for two Cheltenham Grade 2s, soundly beaten on latest occasion; runner-up off the same mark in this race last term; 5lb claimer takes over and they are considered each-way.

4/1

5th

5

24th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 7f 213y

Class 1

15:35 Cheltenham

Kamsinas

11st 2lb

J: Liam Harrison

T: Fergal O’Brien

Some progressive form in handicap hurdles last season at up to 3m and, after two defeats over fences, he reverted to hurdles and finished fifth of six in the Grade 2 Relkeel Hurdle (2m4f) here on New Year's Day; that was a respectable performance but he faces another tough task today.

33/1

Form: 78-316 D BF

Last run: 121 days

W: 11st 3lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Has a very healthy 5-13 strike-rate over hurdles, with the latest win coming at Market Rasen (2m4f, good) in June; however, he was below par at Bangor later that month and has to bounce back on this first run since.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

11th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 88y

Class 4

17:47 Southwell

Ballygeary

11st 13lb

J: William Maggs

T: Mike Sowersby

Beaten 6l in his penultimate race but following run was a reminder of his inconsistency; others safer.

20/1

6th

7

27th Mar 2026

Good

3m 0f 26y

Class 3

16:20 Wetherby

Ballygeary

10st 3lb

J: William Maggs

T: Mike Sowersby

Has inconsistent form for current stable but ran encouragingly last time (2m5f) while shaping as if this return to further is worth exploring; well treated on historical data, which includes wins off higher marks in 2023 and 2024.

12/1

3rd

6

13th Mar 2026

Good

2m 4f 181y

Class 4

16:20 Doncaster

Ballygeary

11st 5lb

J: William Maggs

T: Mike Sowersby

Ex-Donald McCain; creditable third on stable debut in July (2m4f, good) but hasn't been in top form since.

33/1

Form: 5-2633 C

Last run: 64 days

W: 11st 3lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Close third at Cartmel (2m6f, good) in July on third run for this yard; well-beaten third there (3m1f, soft) in August but today's return to better ground could be a plus and he's run well on both previous visits to Aintree; not ruled out each-way.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

7

25th Aug 2025

Good

2m 5f 34y

Class 3

16:43 Cartmel

Hurricane Ali

11st 4lb

J: Charlotte Jones

T: James Moffatt

Seven-time hurdle winner; only his third run over fences when second here a month ago but never went a yard here on Saturday and was pulled up in this new aids combination.

12/1

2

23rd Aug 2025

Good

2m 1f 61y

Class 4

17:05 Cartmel

Hurricane Ali

11st 12lb

J: Charlotte Jones

T: James Moffatt

9yo whose losing sequence goes all the way back to September 2022 but he returned to form when second over C&D (soft) last month and is also fine on good ground; a tongue-tie is added; possible player.

9/2

5

21st Jul 2025

Good

2m 1f 61y

Class 3

15:45 Cartmel

Hurricane Ali

10st 8lb

J: Charlotte Jones

T: James Moffatt

Seven-time hurdle winner who was useful on good ground in his prime; launched chasing career with two very respectable runs here (2m1f/2m5f) in May and was not disgraced in competitive 2m6f handicap hurdle here on Saturday (albeit finishing behind Sea The Clouds); could have a say.

7/1

Form: /1F2P-

Last run: 253 days

W: 11st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 121

Form & Verdict
Fourth in Grade 2 bumper here (2m1f, good to soft) in April 2023 and impressed on hurdle debut at Stratford (2m, soft) last November; things didn't go to plan subsequently but he returns from a break with his stable in good form and could have potential off his handicap debut mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

21st Apr 2026

Soft

2m 3f 83y

Class 4

17:42 Ffos Las

Bowenspark

12st 1lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Henry Daly

Came good over fences with small-field win at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good to soft) in February but was not in the same form on his latest outing and ran poorly the only previous time he wore cheekpieces; others look safer.

8/1

5th

4

28th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 3

15:08 Uttoxeter

Bowenspark

11st 2lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Henry Daly

Dual bumper and hurdle winner; mixed results in his first three runs over fences but he really got his act together when justifying favouritism at Bangor (2m5f, soft) last month; that was a four-runner race but he forged clear in the closing stages and a 6lb rise looks fair; shortlisted.

9/4

1st

3

25th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 4f 72y

Class 4

17:00 Bangor-on-Dee

Bowenspark

11st 5lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Henry Daly

Useful bumper horse and hurdler but has always struggled with consistency, a pattern that's threatening to continue over fences; however, if in the same form as when second to a sharp improver at Southwell two runs back (2m4f, good to soft; fine on soft) he'd have every chance.

5/1

Form: 3528P-

Last run: 183 days

W: 10st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Pulled up at Sandown in April when last seen but had a pretty good campaign otherwise and he returns on a competitive mark; trainer saddled one to win at Uttoxeter last Saturday after a break; not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

6

(8)

15th May 2026

Good

1m 4f 0y

Class 3

14:32 Newmarket

Arqoob

9st 8lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Lucy Wadham

Exposed 8yo but he's still capable of useful form and scored at Kempton (1m4f, AW) last March; also won over 1m6f on the July course (good to firm; first-time blinkers) in August; returns on a stiff-enough mark with no headgear but they might go a solid gallop which can help.

14/1

4

1st Oct 2025

Good

2m 5f 5y

Class 3

16:28 Warwick

Arqoob

11st 6lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Lucy Wadham

Recently won on the Flat in first-time blinkers and then ran respectably in a valuable handicap at Doncaster; returns to hurdling in fair form and he's on a handy mark.

7/2

6th

9

(1)

12th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

1m 6f 115y

Class 2

13:15 Doncaster

Arqoob

8st 13lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Lucy Wadham

53 races already (17 over hurdles) and six wins before he made his first appearance over 1m6f three weeks ago, winning it in good style in first-time blinkers at Newmarket (good to firm; acts on soft); only five ran in that race and he's gone back up 5lb but it could be argued that he's not fully exposed either in blinkers or at this sort of trip.

16/1

Form: 21332-

Last run: 192 days

W: 10st 10lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
Progressive during last season's novice campaign, culminating in second of 16 in competitive mares' handicap at Cheltenham (2m4f, good); that form has been franked and she could have more to offer this term.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

11

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 149y

Class 1

15:05 Aintree

Lavida Adiva

11st 3lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Ruth Jefferson

Course winner who keeps on improving and was a fine second of 24 in the Pertemps Final (Handicap) at Cheltenham (3m, good) last month; receives 7lb mares' allowance but today's assignment requires a clear career best.

50/1

2nd

11

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 213y

Class 1

16:40 Cheltenham

Lavida Adiva

10st 9lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Ruth Jefferson

Never better than on her last three starts, winning a Listed mares' hurdle at Doncaster (3m, good to soft) on first occasion; minor honours in Grade 2 events since (hooded last time, not today); reliable and basically progressive but she needs to resume improvement in this hot handicap.

16/1

3rd

6

14th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 58y

Class 1

14:05 Haydock

Lavida Adiva

10st 13lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Ruth Jefferson

7yo who has shown improved form this season and won a Listed mares' hurdle at Doncaster (3m, good to soft) in December; similar form when held in fourth in mares' Grade 2 there (3m, soft) three weeks ago and it seems likely she'll prove vulnerable today; wears a first-time hood.

25/1

Form: 441126 BF

Last run: 23 days

W: 10st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
Won on first two starts for this yard (2m, good to firm/good) before staying-on second at Market Rasen (2m, good) last month; stamina to prove today and he needs to bounce back from a lesser run at Hexham (2m, good) but this 5yo is not written off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

25th May 2026

Good

2m 1f 61y

Class 3

16:36 Cartmel

Got Grey

10st 13lb

J: Leah Noreci

T: James Moffatt

Finished strongly to beat Jet Of Dreams on last summer's chasing debut but his three subsequent runs for Dan Skelton were somewhat underwhelming and he was sold for £10,000 in the autumn; makes stable debut after seven-month break; market may guide.

15/2

6th

5

19th Oct 2025

Good

2m 2f 0y

Class 3

14:16 Kempton

Got Grey

11st 2lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

Won at Worcester (2m, good) on chase debut; has failed to repeat that form in two starts since, however, and was beaten in a match race on latest; others have stronger claims.

8/1

Form: 44-122 D BF

Last run: 24 days

W: 10st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Won at Ffos Las (2m4f, good) in May on second handicap start and has continued to progress this autumn, finishing second at Worcester (2m4f, good) and Warwick (2m5f, good); he was clear with an unexposed winner last time and is a major player this afternoon.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

25th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 208y

Class 2

14:55 Cheltenham

Long Draw

11st 4lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Made very good progress last season, winning twice over 3m on New course here (good to soft/good); ended up with too much to do when finishing well for close third at Haydock (3m, good) in May and probably still has more improvement to come.

6/1

3rd

3

10th May 2025

Good

3m 0f 58y

Class 2

13:00 Haydock

Long Draw

11st 8lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Made very good progress last season and had three of today's rivals behind when coming from off the pace for driven-out success at Cheltenham (3m, good) last month; 6lb higher today but could still have more to offer.

4/1

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Long Draw

WEST COUNTRY:

Kamsinas

SPOTLIGHT:

Lavida Adiva

Telegraph:

Bowenspark

TOPSPEED:

Lavida Adiva

Daily Mirror:

Lavida Adiva

POSTDATA:

Long Draw

The Guardian:

Long Draw

D Express:

Long Draw

The Star:

Long Draw

The Times:

Kamsinas

The Sun:

Kamsinas

Daily Record:

Kamsinas