April 15 / 15.00 Aintree

15.00

Good To Soft

Turners Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £56270
  • 2m 4f 0y
  • Class 1
  • 15 runners
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Turners Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

Runners: 15 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

13/2 (Won)

  • Win: £6.70
  • Place: £2.30

Form: -12241

Last run: 34 days

W: 11st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 148

Form & Verdict
Made all in Grade 3 at Naas (1m7f, soft) last month, taking advantage of drop back in class; has strong Grade 1 form-lines, notably a good effort in the Royal Bond when narrowly beaten by the subsequent Supreme winner Marine Nationale; ran well on sole 2m4f attempt; solid claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

3rd May 2024

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 45y

18:00 Punchestown

Irish Point

11st 12lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

led

100/30

2nd

2

3rd May 2024

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 45y

18:00 Punchestown

Irish Point

11st 12lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

led

100/30

12/1

  • Place: £4.50

Form: 15-111 D

Last run: 53 days

W: 11st 0lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Respectable fifth in Grade 2 bumper at this meeting 12 months ago; 4-4 otherwise, including an easy win at Huntingdon on sole 2m4f attempt; progressive mare but faces a tougher task now taking on males for first time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

14

11th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:40 Cheltenham

Kateira

11st 0lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

First two runs (November) were her best from this season and she didn't shine back in handicaps on last two outings; however, her 2m4f win in a big-field handicap at 2024 Aintree festival should not be forgotten and she also ran well in Graded/Listed contests for most of last term; needs a close look, particularly given Dan Skelton's fine record in handicap hurdles at this meeting.

7/1

9th

1

14th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 3f 63y

Class 2

14:25 Ascot

Kateira

12st 0lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Dan Skelton

Useful mare (dual Listed scorer) but last two efforts, latest back at handicap level, suggest she's unlikely to defy top weight in this warm field.

25/1

8th

1

31st Jan 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 124y

Class 2

13:43 Musselburgh

Kateira

12st 0lb

J: Tristan Durrell

T: Dan Skelton

There's a suspicion she's on a tough mark and that a longer trip is preferable; however, she won at Aintree's Grand National meeting in 2024 on the last occasion she tackled a handicap (2m4f, soft) and she's won two Listed races since; this classy mare is not ruled out.

12/1

7/2

  • Place: £1.80

Form: 1116 D BF

Last run: 31 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 150

Form & Verdict
Impressive in the Challow at Newbury (2m4f, soft), continuing his good progress; disappointing favourite in the Ballymore but his trainer's most notable Challow winners, Denman and Bravemansgame, also failed to land that race and they turned out fine; looked very smart before the Cheltenham flop and remains of strong interest.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

3rd Feb 2024

Good To Soft

2m 4f 10y

Class 1

14:35 Sandown

Hermes Allen

11st 7lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

raced in second, chased clear leader after 6th, not fluent 8th, still plenty to do 3 out, 13 lengths down when fell 2 out

11/10

2nd

2

26th Dec 2023

Good

3m 0f 0y

Class 1

13:20 Kempton

Hermes Allen

11st 7lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Won 2m4f Grade 1 Challow Hurdle during last year's festive period; failed to justify favouritism at the spring festivals but had wind surgery prior to his successful chase debut at Newbury (2m4f, good to soft) and that was impressive in many ways; unraced over this far under rules but with his pointing background he should stay well; still unexposed and held in the highest regard by a trainer who has won this five times.

13/8

1st

2

1st Dec 2023

Good To Soft

2m 3f 187y

Class 1

13:50 Newbury

Hermes Allen

11st 4lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Below-par favourite in Grade 1 novice hurdles at the Cheltenham and Aintree festivals but may well benefit from the subsequent wind surgery and he starts this campaign as a major prospect for novice chases; earlier progress culminated in an easy win in the Challow here (2m4f, soft; Grade 1) and that form has worked out well; point winner; leading player.

11/8

Form: /24214

Last run: 29 days

W: 11st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 144

Form & Verdict
Campaigned at only 2m6f-3m since switched to hurdles, most recently fourth in the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham (soft); useful stayer but this easy 2m4f may prove inadequate unless the ground is testing.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

14th Mar 2024

Soft

2m 3f 168y

Class 1

13:30 Cheltenham

Letsbeclearaboutit

11st 7lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

Has raced only on softer than good; ran well (fourth) in the Albert Bartlett over 3m here 12 months ago but failed to show his form when back at similar trip on latest chase start; promising record at 2m4f over fences, winning twice then solid third in Grade 1; however, he's the wrong age according to the stats (no horse older than eight has won this prize).

25/1

3rd

1

28th Jan 2024

Heavy

3m 0f 174y

14:45 Naas

Letsbeclearaboutit

11st 6lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

held up in rear, headway and went third before 5 out, raced wide from 3 out, outpaced approaching last

9/4

3rd

3

13th Jan 2024

Soft

2m 1f 60y

13:57 Fairyhouse

Letsbeclearaboutit

11st 9lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

Has seemingly improved for a fence and a step up in trip to 2m4f this season; ran with credit in the Drinmore here when last seen; has more to give over fences but a return to this sort of trip is the main question mark; not one to put a line through.

5/2

Form: -11211 D

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 0lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 142

Form & Verdict
Ran well behind Hermes Allen in the Challow (sole hurdles defeat); has recorded a couple of Grade 2 wins against her own sex since, latest at the Cheltenham Festival (2m1f, soft; made all); improving mare who, with the 7lb allowance, holds a respectable chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

8th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:40 Warwick

You Wear It Well

11st 6lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Jamie Snowden

Below her best this season but has been running over fences and chasing doesn't appear to suit; won two Grade 2 mares' novice hurdles in early 2023 (2m4f/2m1f, good to soft/soft) and second in a mares' Grade 2 last January (3m, good); could bounce back with big run now reverting to hurdles.

5/1

1

8th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:40 Warwick

You Wear It Well

11st 6lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Jamie Snowden

Below her best this season but has been running over fences and chasing doesn't appear to suit; won two Grade 2 mares' novice hurdles in early 2023 (2m4f/2m1f, good to soft/soft) and second in a mares' Grade 2 last January (3m, good); could bounce back with big run now reverting to hurdles.

5/1

4th

4

17th Jan 2025

Soft

2m 0f 33y

Class 1

13:50 Windsor

You Wear It Well

10st 9lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Jamie Snowden

raced in last, mistake 5th, mistake and struggling 7th, jumped left 3 out, never dangerous

4/1

Form: 1-1311 D

Last run: 25 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
Defied a double penalty in smooth style at Wetherby (soft) last month, taking overall record to 4-6; suited by step up to 2m3f the last twice and should have more to offer at this sort of trip; interesting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

13th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 127y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Springwell Bay

11st 12lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

midfield

13/2

1st

4

1st Jan 2025

Soft

2m 4f 127y

Class 1

14:05 Cheltenham

Springwell Bay

11st 3lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

took keen hold, towards rear, mistake 11th, headway going easily from 3 out, led after 2 out, good jump last, went clear run-in, comfortably

3/1

1st

4

1st Jan 2025

Soft

2m 4f 127y

Class 1

14:05 Cheltenham

Springwell Bay

11st 3lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

took keen hold, towards rear, mistake 11th, headway going easily from 3 out, led after 2 out, good jump last, went clear run-in, comfortably

3/1

Form: 1-1P11 D

Last run: 35 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
Something was possibly amiss in the Challow; 5-5 otherwise (bumpers/hurdles), rallying gamely to win the EBF Final at Sandown (2m4f, heavy) most recently; open to further improvement and can't be ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

1st May 2025

Yielding

2m 7f 110y

18:00 Punchestown

Crambo

11st 10lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Fergal O’Brien

prominent, soon went second, outpaced after 2 out

9/1

7th

3

1st May 2025

Yielding

2m 7f 110y

18:00 Punchestown

Crambo

11st 10lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Fergal O’Brien

prominent, soon went second, outpaced after 2 out

9/1

Form: 5-1151 D

Last run: 39 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Scoped dirty after his Tolworth flop; 3-3 over hurdles otherwise, easily defying a double penalty at Sandown (2m soft) most recently; won his sole attempt at about 2m4f; useful sort who can't be dismissed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

11th May 2024

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 3

20:05 Warwick

Authorised Speed

11st 2lb

J: David Noonan

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Useful hurdler; fell on two of his three chasing attempts last season and comes with obvious risk here but proved his wellbeing when placed in competitive handicap hurdle at Sandown (2m4f, good) a fortnight ago and has the raw ability to be very dangerous if all goes to plan.

5/2

Form: 4-2161

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Well beaten in the Tolworth; had wind surgery prior to winning a Newbury handicap (2m3f, soft; tongue-tie applied) last month; unexposed at this sort of distance but faces a stiffer task back at Grade 1 level.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

25th Apr 2026

Good

2m 6f 164y

Class 1

14:20 Sandown

Blow Your Wad

11st 2lb

J: Freddie Mitchell

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Has shown good form for new stable, mostly in handicaps, including at the Cheltenham Festival (3m1f); defied top weight at Chepstow (2m3f, good to soft) most recently, looking better than ever; leading chance at the weights in his bid for a second Grade 2 success.

7/4

1st

1

2nd Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 98y

Class 2

15:32 Chepstow

Blow Your Wad

12st 0lb

J: Freddie Mitchell

T: Gary & Josh Moore

This 8yo arrives in career-best form after his staying-on efforts in Newbury's Greatwood Gold Cup (2m4f) and the Ultima at Cheltenham (3m1f; again on good to soft; won on good); has to be feared, for all that he's 4lb higher than for those runs and 2m3f is on the tight side for him.

5/2

4th

12

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

15:20 Cheltenham

Blow Your Wad

11st 1lb

J: Freddie Mitchell

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Kept on well for third in handicap at Ascot (3m, good) in November and creditable third of six on stable debut in Grade 1 Ascot Chase (2m5f, good to soft) last month, before close second in handicap at Newbury (2m4f, good to soft) ten days ago; he was 10l clear of the third last time and is 4lb ahead of the handicapper off the same mark today; the step back up in trip could be a firm plus and he showed promise here last April; one to consider seriously.

12/1

Form: 611240 D BF

Last run: 29 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
Disappointing when joint-favourite for the Martin Pipe (2m4f) at the Cheltenham Festival; progressive otherwise but may need a return to further; his Listed/Graded form is at 2m6f and 3m.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14

1st Apr 2024

Heavy

3m 5f 24y

17:00 Fairyhouse

Cool Survivor

10st 12lb

J: Jordan Gainford

T: Gordon Elliott

didn't jump well, never better than midfield, towards rear when bad mistake 13th, pulled up after 14th

25/1

14

1st Apr 2024

Heavy

3m 5f 24y

17:00 Fairyhouse

Cool Survivor

10st 12lb

J: Jordan Gainford

T: Gordon Elliott

didn't jump well, never better than midfield, towards rear when bad mistake 13th, pulled up after 14th

25/1

13th

14

14th Mar 2024

Soft

3m 2f 0y

Class 2

17:30 Cheltenham

Cool Survivor

11st 6lb

J: Mr H C Swan

T: Gordon Elliott

3m Listed novice hurdle winner last season (heavy) and best run in that sphere was his staying-on fourth in Grade 1 novice at Leopardstown (2m6f, yielding) last February; hasn't hit same form heights over fences, most recently 19l fourth of 25 in handicap chase at Leopardstown (2m5f), but he's on a good mark on his hurdle form and the step up in trip could be ideal.

13/2

OUR TIP

Form: 11/136

Last run: 32 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 145

Form & Verdict
Has lost an unbeaten record since upped in class but far from disgraced in those two Grade 1 races, sixth in the Supreme at Cheltenham (soft) latest; major player if he stays the new trip (first go beyond 2m).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

15th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 1

15:00 Aintree

Dark Raven

11st 7lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

Has lost an unbeaten record since upped in class but far from disgraced in those two Grade 1 races, sixth in the Supreme at Cheltenham (soft) latest; major player if he stays the new trip (first go beyond 2m).

4/1

6th

2

14th Mar 2023

Soft

2m 0f 87y

Class 1

13:30 Cheltenham

Dark Raven

11st 7lb

J: Daryl Jacob

T: W P Mullins

2-2 in bumpers in spring 2021 (2m, yielding) and returned from a long absence to win on hurdle debut at Leopardstown (2m, soft) in December; remains open to improvement but he was a near-10l third of six to stablemate Il Etait Temps in the Grade 1 Tattersalls Ireland Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown (2m, yielding) last month and others have stronger credentials.

25/1

3rd

1

5th Feb 2023

Yielding

2m 0f 0y

15:40 Leopardstown

Dark Raven

11st 12lb

J: Daryl Jacob

T: W P Mullins

towards rear, not fluent 1st, left in fourth just after 4th

12/1

Form: 8/71

Last run: 54 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Thrice-raced 6yo; had wind surgery prior to 40-1 success in maiden hurdle at Carlisle (2m1f, good to soft; tongue-tie applied) most recently; much more is required at this markedly stronger level.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

15th May 2024

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

15:00 Ffos Las

Hallwood

11st 10lb

J: Adam Wedge

T: Mark Rimell

Sprung a 40-1 surprise in a Carlisle maiden (2m1f, good to soft) last February but he's been pulled up in three of his four runs since including at Fontwell last month; mark continues to fall but he has a lot to prove back up in trip.

33/1

10

15th May 2024

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

15:00 Ffos Las

Hallwood

11st 10lb

J: Adam Wedge

T: Mark Rimell

Sprung a 40-1 surprise in a Carlisle maiden (2m1f, good to soft) last February but he's been pulled up in three of his four runs since including at Fontwell last month; mark continues to fall but he has a lot to prove back up in trip.

33/1

1

19th Apr 2024

Good To Soft

2m 1f 162y

Class 5

14:30 Fontwell

Hallwood

12st 0lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Mark Rimell

Sprung a 40-1 surprise when winning a Carlisle maiden (2m1f, good to soft; first time tongue-tie) last February; struggled since and continues to fall in the weights; back in trip for first start since wind surgery.

16/1

Form: 4-1143 D

Last run: 77 days

W: 11st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Creditable third in Grade 2 event at Cheltenham (soft) in January, taking his form figures over 2m4f to 113; still fairly unexposed but has a lot to find in this better race; minor effort over 3m here yesterday.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

11

9th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 25y

Class 2

15:33 Exeter

Mofasa

11st 1lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Pulled up on final start last season and the same story on both this term, tried in cheekpieces on latest; 13lb below his career-high mark and reverts to hurdling (from chasing) for the first time since April 2023.

20/1

Form: 45-1PU

Last run: 21 days

W: 11st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 114

Form & Verdict
Sole success came at Bangor (2m) last May; in third place when unseating rider in handicap there (2m3f) three weeks ago; has ordinary form and he's bottom of this pack on ratings.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

3rd Apr 2025

Good

2m 0f 214y

Class 5

13:55 Plumpton

Stony Man

11st 5lb

J: Sean Clarke

T: Robbie Llewellyn

held up in rear, outpaced and detached 5th, struggling 7th, pulled up before 2 out

4/1

3

3rd Apr 2025

Good

2m 0f 214y

Class 5

13:55 Plumpton

Stony Man

11st 5lb

J: Sean Clarke

T: Robbie Llewellyn

held up in rear, outpaced and detached 5th, struggling 7th

4/1

6th

4

16th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 98y

Class 5

16:47 Chepstow

Stony Man

11st 11lb

J: Sean Clarke

T: Robbie Llewellyn

Maiden hurdle winner; has failed to go on from a respectable first run over fences and left former yard for £4,000 before finishing tailed off on stable debut at Market Rasen two months ago; the tongue-tie tried there is absent this time with cheekpieces retained.

16/1

Form: 22241

Last run: 24 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Consistent at up to 2m4f, apart from a below-par effort two starts ago; off the mark at Warwick (2m, soft) latest; in good hands but has plenty to find on ratings in this field.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

12

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

14:30 Aintree

Uncle Bert

11st 6lb

J: Toby McCain-Mitchell

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

1-6 over fences, the success at Aintree (2m4f) on seasonal debut; seemed a non-stayer in the Welsh National before eventually falling, then ran below form at Cheltenham (2m4f); return to this venue may have a positive effect but he ideally needs assistance from the weather, having gained all wins on soft ground.

20/1

7th

5

24th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 4f 127y

Class 1

13:15 Cheltenham

Uncle Bert

11st 0lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Made much of the running when winning in dominant style at Aintree (2m4f, soft) in December; beaten when falling late on in the Welsh National three weeks later, lack of stamina a possible factor; back to a more suitable trip here but now off a career-high mark and others appeal more.

9/1

Non-runners

Mofasa

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £106.00
Straight Forecast £68.12
Tricast £250.03
Trifecta £635.30

Selections

TOPSPEED:

Dark Raven

SPOTLIGHT:

Irish Point

RP Ratings:

Hermes Allen

LAMBOURN:

You Wear It Well

Daily Mirror:

Springwell Bay

The Star:

You Wear It Well

The Times:

Irish Point

D Express:

Irish Point

Daily Record:

Irish Point

WEST COUNTRY:

Hermes Allen

Telegraph:

Hermes Allen

POSTDATA:

Dark Raven

The Guardian:

Dark Raven

Daily Mail:

Dark Raven

The Sun:

Dark Raven