April 04 / 13.45 Aintree

13.45

Good To Soft

Huyton Asphalt Franny Blennerhassett Memorial Mildmay Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £67524
  • 3m 0f 210y
  • Class 1
  • 7 runners
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Huyton Asphalt Franny Blennerhassett Memorial Mildmay Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

Runners: 7 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly sunny

4/1 (Won)

  • Win: £3.75
  • Place: £1.90

Form: 1-1321

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 155

Form & Verdict
Grade 1 novice hurdle winner over 2m in Ireland and sold for 740,000euros at the Caldwell dispersal sale; record of 2-4 over fences for new connections features an excellent front-running performance in the novice handicap at the Cheltenham Festival (2m4f, good to soft) three weeks ago, galloping on strongly and leaving the impression he'll be as effective upped further in distance; respected with further progress plausible.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

4th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

13:45 Aintree

Caldwell Potter

11st 7lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Grade 1 novice hurdle winner over 2m in Ireland and sold for 740,000euros at the Caldwell dispersal sale; record of 2-4 over fences for new connections features an excellent front-running performance in the novice handicap at the Cheltenham Festival (2m4f, good to soft) three weeks ago, galloping on strongly and leaving the impression he'll be as effective upped further in distance; respected with further progress plausible.

4/1

1st

1

4th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

13:45 Aintree

Caldwell Potter

11st 7lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Grade 1 novice hurdle winner over 2m in Ireland and sold for 740,000euros at the Caldwell dispersal sale; record of 2-4 over fences for new connections features an excellent front-running performance in the novice handicap at the Cheltenham Festival (2m4f, good to soft) three weeks ago, galloping on strongly and leaving the impression he'll be as effective upped further in distance; respected with further progress plausible.

4/1

1st

3

13th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 127y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Caldwell Potter

11st 4lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

prominent early, led 1st

8/1

16/1

  • Place: £4.00

Form: -21U25

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 149

Form & Verdict
Ex-French 6yo whose useful form for current yard includes a Grade 3 success over 2m2f in October and good effort over 2m4f at the Cheltenham Festival last month; faces a stiffer task at this level and has stamina to prove upped further in trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

28

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Jordans

10st 8lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Twice second in Grade 1 novice events last season, most notably when upped substantially in trip to 3m1f at this meeting; possibilities judged on that performance (unraced over further) and although he's been nowhere near that form since, his closest finish this term came when a staying-on fifth of 18 over 2m7f as a hurdler; just a 7yo but not totally dismissed.

33/1

11th

3

2nd Mar 2026

Soft To Heavy

2m 5f 120y

16:25 Leopardstown

Jordans

11st 11lb

J: Phillip Enright

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Twice second in Grade 1 novice events last season; hasn't been able to capitalise on lower hurdles mark this term and back chasing on latest when pulled up in 3m Thyestes, having not looked to get home on heavy ground; again this ground probably not ideal though shorter trip should suit.

10/1

Form: F22212

Last run: 24 days

W: 11st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 142

Form & Verdict
Only 1-11 over fences, the success in a Grade 2 Reynoldstown at Ascot that essentially fell apart; however, he's proved very consistent in good handicaps otherwise this term, second at the Cheltenham Festival (3m1f, good to soft) most recently; again likely to give his running.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

1st Nov 2025

Good

2m 7f 185y

Class 1

15:45 Ascot

The Changing Man

11st 9lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Unfair to knock his strike-rate of 1-12 over fences as he's run some crackers in defeat, with four seconds last season including a strong C&D handicap and the Ultima at Cheltenham in March; quite likely that he was over the top when last to finish in the 3m1f Grade 1 novice at Aintree; tough, consistent and much respected despite a challenging mark.

100/30

4

1st Nov 2025

Good

2m 7f 185y

Class 1

15:45 Ascot

The Changing Man

11st 9lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Unfair to knock his strike-rate of 1-12 over fences as he's run some crackers in defeat, with four seconds last season including a strong C&D handicap and the Ultima at Cheltenham in March; quite likely that he was over the top when last to finish in the 3m1f Grade 1 novice at Aintree; tough, consistent and much respected despite a challenging mark.

100/30

3rd

7

4th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

13:45 Aintree

The Changing Man

11st 7lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Only 1-11 over fences, the success in a Grade 2 Reynoldstown at Ascot that essentially fell apart; however, he's proved very consistent in good handicaps otherwise this term, second at the Cheltenham Festival (3m1f, good to soft) most recently; again likely to give his running.

10/1

OUR TIP

Form: 1-1116 C

Last run: 23 days

W: 11st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 151

Form & Verdict
Has finished behind Stellar Story at the last two Cheltenham Festivals but was hindered by being pestered up front in latest; otherwise a smart stayer who retains the potential to land a top prize over fences, having been a three-time Grade 1 winner as a novice hurdler, including on this card 12 months ago; remains of major interest.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

26th Apr 2025

Good

3m 4f 146y

Class 1

16:10 Sandown

Dancing City

10st 11lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: W P Mullins

Three-time Grade 1 winner as a novice hurdler, including twice last spring, and he began his chasing career in promising style with two wins this winter; there have since been significant reverses when well beaten at Cheltenham and falling at Aintree, both in Grade 1s over about 3m, but he'd previously suggested a strength in stamina which gives this test some appeal.

6/1

4

26th Apr 2025

Good

3m 4f 146y

Class 1

16:10 Sandown

Dancing City

10st 11lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: W P Mullins

Three-time Grade 1 winner as a novice hurdler, including twice last spring, and he began his chasing career in promising style with two wins this winter; there have since been significant reverses when well beaten at Cheltenham and falling at Aintree, both in Grade 1s over about 3m, but he'd previously suggested a strength in stamina which gives this test some appeal.

6/1

2

4th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

13:45 Aintree

Dancing City

11st 7lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

Has finished behind Stellar Story at the last two Cheltenham Festivals but was hindered by being pestered up front in latest; otherwise a smart stayer who retains the potential to land a top prize over fences, having been a three-time Grade 1 winner as a novice hurdler, including on this card 12 months ago; remains of major interest.

3/1

Form: 6-F111 D

Last run: 62 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 157

Form & Verdict
Seems versatile as regards ground; campaigned mostly at about 2m4f but is 2-2 over 3m (including a point win); game performance in the Grade 1 Scilly Isles at Sandown most recently, adding to his Grade 2 wins and prevailing narrowly in a duel with subsequent Arkle winner Jango Baie; chase record is 3-4 and overall strike-rate is 7-9; holds very strong claims, being progressive and top on the figures.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

15:20 Cheltenham

Handstands

11st 12lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

2m4f Grade 1 novice chase winner last February; a couple of good runs in defeat this term, last time third of five at Windsor (2m6f, soft; first run after wind surgery), but he needs something extra today and there's a suspicion a shorter trip may be preferable; well beaten (over hurdles) on sole run here; cheekpieces go on.

11/1

3rd

1

18th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 6f 50y

Class 2

15:00 Windsor

Handstands

11st 10lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Concedes weight all round and he hasn't been able to recapture last season's abundant novice chase promise on his two outings this season; however, he's had wind surgery since last time, which may have helped, and he could be a contender if rediscovering the form shown when winning the Grade 1 Scilly Isles Novices' Chase at Sandown last February (2m4f, heavy; made all).

4/1

2nd

1

2nd Nov 2025

Good

2m 3f 210y

Class 1

14:37 Carlisle

Handstands

11st 10lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Lost touch after being hampered when one of the favourites for a 3m1f Grade 1 at the Grand National meeting; had won all his completed starts over fences, the pick when edging out subsequent Arkle winner Jango Baie in the Grade 1 Scilly Isles at Sandown (2m4f, heavy; versatile ground-wise); these terms are favourable despite top weight and he will be tough to conquer if on his game.

8/15

Form: 31-31U

Last run: 23 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 150

Form & Verdict
Has useful 2m4f form that includes a good effort in last season's Martin Pipe and chase success at Gowran Park in January; didn't get the chance to prove he stays 3m in the Brown Advisory at Cheltenham (good to soft) most recently, having made a bad mistake and unseated rider four out; has time on his side (only a 6yo) and remains a promising sort.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

26

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Quai De Bourbon

10st 9lb

J: Donagh Meyler

T: W P Mullins

Third in the 3m5f Irish National last April, despite an indifferent round of jumping, and third of 16 with cheekpieces at Leopardstown on latest outing was his best form, despite just the 2m5f; kept jumping out to his right in the latter and although a case can be made for him, it would have to gloss over that he's completed only four of his eight chases.

25/1

3rd

1

2nd Mar 2026

Soft To Heavy

2m 5f 120y

16:25 Leopardstown

Quai De Bourbon

11st 12lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

Won 2m4f Gowran beginners' chase last season but completion record since has been poor, standout run when good third in 3m5f Irish National, despite indifferent round of jumping; pulled up both outings this term in 3m handicaps, in Troytown at Navan and after a hesitant round of jumping in Thyestes at Gowran in January; hard to be confident in.

7/1

3

22nd Jan 2026

Heavy

3m 1f 0y

15:30 Gowran Park

Quai De Bourbon

11st 11lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: W P Mullins

Won 2m4f beginners' event on this card last year; made a bad mistake and unseated rider four out in the Brown Advisory; making progress when brought down four out in the Mildmay; fine effort, despite an indifferent round of jumping, when third in the Irish Grand National; weakened from five out when favourite for the Troytown at Navan on seasonal debut.

8/1

Form: 22-111 D

Last run: 42 days

W: 11st 0lb

10 yo Mare

OR: 144

Form & Verdict
Front-running 10yo who has to defy the stats as only two veterans have landed this prize since its inception in 1981; however, has low mileage for her age and remains unbeaten over fences; bagged Listed honours, against her own sex, at Newbury/Exeter the last twice and is a rising force for Polly Gundry; gets the 7lb sex allowance and shouldn't be passed over lightly.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

9

29th Apr 2025

Yielding To Soft

3m 0f 213y

16:50 Punchestown

Dont Rightly Know

11st 3lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Polly Gundry

unruly at the post, led narrowly 1st, headed and raced in second halfway, briefly disputed lead 5 out, weakened from 2 out

50/1

5th

9

29th Apr 2025

Yielding To Soft

3m 0f 213y

16:50 Punchestown

Dont Rightly Know

11st 3lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Polly Gundry

unruly at the post, led narrowly 1st, headed and raced in second halfway, briefly disputed lead 5 out, weakened from 2 out

50/1

8

4th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

13:45 Aintree

Dont Rightly Know

11st 0lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Polly Gundry

Front-running 10yo who has to defy the stats as only two veterans have landed this prize since its inception in 1981; however, has low mileage for her age and remains unbeaten over fences; bagged Listed honours, against her own sex, at Newbury/Exeter the last twice and is a rising force for Polly Gundry; gets the 7lb sex allowance and shouldn't be passed over lightly.

16/1

Non-runners

Stellar Story

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £29.20
Straight Forecast £30.13
Tricast £284.39
Trifecta £139.50

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Handstands

TOPSPEED:

Caldwell Potter

D Express:

Jordans

The Times:

Quai De Bourbon

POSTDATA:

Stellar Story

Daily Mirror:

Dancing City

Daily Mail:

The Changing Man

The Star:

Don't Rightly Know

RP RATINGS:

Handstands

WEST COUNTRY:

Handstands

Telegraph:

Handstands

The Guardian:

Handstands

Daily Record:

Handstands

The Sun:

Caldwell Potter