13:45 AintreeFri 14 Apr 3m1f Grd1 Nov Chs

1. Gerri Colombe – This French gelding has been highly impressive over fences, winning all three of his starts before finishing a close second in the Brown Advisory at Cheltenham. While the concern about this sharper track catching him out is valid, he has strong claims based on his form.
2. Bronn – This Irish gelding won a Grade 2 novice hurdle last season before transitioning to chasing, where he has shown promise, notably finishing a highly creditable third in the Brown Advisory at Cheltenham. This track’s emphasis on speed should suit him, making him a live contender.
3. Complete Unknown – This unknown Irish gelding has shown great improvement since finishing second in a Grade 2 novice at Warwick, culminating in a dominant win in a Kempton handicap last month. While this is a step up in class, his top yard’s record in this race makes him an interesting contender.
4. Galia Des Liteaux – This French mare has shown flashes of brilliance over fences, winning a Grade 2 novice at Warwick in January. However, she has also had some disappointing runs, notably finishing fifth in the Brown Advisory at Cheltenham. She may need rain to be seen to best effect.
5. Thomas Darby – This Irish gelding has been inconsistent over fences, with a brief try three years ago before returning to form with a win in a 4-runner handicap at Ayr in February. While this race may be too demanding for him, his classy hurdle form makes him a horse to respect.
6. Sholokjack – This lightly raced Irish gelding has impressed in two starts over fences, winning a handicap at Lingfield before being hampered and unsuited by the track at Kelso. However, he faces a stiff task here, with plenty to find against these higher-rated horses.

Overall, Gerri Colombe and Bronn seem to be the horses with the best chances of winning, but the others cannot be entirely discounted either. It should be an exciting race!

14:20 AintreeFri 14 Apr 2m4f Hcap Hrd

The William Hill Handicap Hurdle is always a fiercely competitive handicap and this year’s renewal is no exception. There are plenty of runners with claims, but some stand out more than others.

Camprond has to be high on the shortlist, having run a fantastic race to finish third in the Coral Cup at Cheltenham last month. He was raised 5lb for that effort, but he remains a major player here, especially if he gets a bit of luck in running.

Another strong contender is Dargiannini, who has been in excellent form since joining the emerging stable of David Bridgwater. He won impressively at Uttoxeter and Newbury and should be able to handle the step up in class.

Buddy One also caught the eye in the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham, where he finished a fine third. He looks to have more to offer and could be a major player in this race.

Tritonic is another interesting contender, especially now that he is back up in trip. He won a valuable handicap at Ascot last year and although he has struggled in subsequent runs, he has shown glimpses of his old form.

Finally, it is worth considering Good Risk At All, who won well at Carlisle in October before finishing a respectable seventh in the Coral Cup. He could improve for that run and might be worth a small each-way bet.

14:55 AintreeFri 14 Apr 2m Grd1 Nov Hrd

The Grade 1 Mersey Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree looks to be a high-quality contest, with many promising horses in the field.

Inthepocket sets the standard with impressive performances in Grade 2 and Grade 1 races. He finished fourth in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham and looks to be the horse to beat.

Found A Fifty has also been consistent and was a close second in a Grade 2 race at Naas. He should improve further and could challenge Inthepocket for victory.

Hullnback has been in good form over hurdles, winning his last two races convincingly. He also finished a good second in a Grade 2 bumper at Aintree last year and should be in the mix.

Tahmuras is a Grade 1 winner and could bounce back from his disappointing run in the Supreme at Cheltenham. He has shown great promise and cannot be dismissed.

Altobelli is an exciting prospect, with three wins from three races, including a convincing victory at Carlisle last time out. He could be a potential Graded horse and is worth considering for a place.

Luccia looked a talented mare before being beaten at the Cheltenham Festival, but she still has potential and could surprise.

Overall, Inthepocket and Found A Fifty look to be the main contenders, with Hullnback and Tahmuras not far behind. Altobelli is an interesting outsider with potential.

15:30 AintreeFri 14 Apr 2m4f Grd1 Chs

Fakir D’oudairies is a high-class chaser who has won this race for the last 2 years and should not be underestimated, especially with the addition of first-time headgear. French Dynamite ran a solid race to finish fourth in the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham Festival and shouldn’t be too far off the pace here. Fugitif has been in good form this season, finishing second in two Cheltenham handicaps before taking third in the Magners Plate at the Festival last month, but will need to improve further to win this. Hitman is a consistent runner, with several strong performances in defeat in Graded contests, including a close second to Fakir d’Oudairies in this race last year and a third-place finish in the Ryanair at Cheltenham last month. Millers Bank’s limitations have been exposed in open company this season, but he has a good record in Grade 1s at this meeting, including a win in last season’s Manifesto Novices’ Chase. Minella Drama has been impressive in winning his last two starts in handicaps but may find this level too tough. Pic D’orhy has been in excellent form this season, winning three starts before finishing second to Shishkin in the Grade 1 Ascot Chase, and has a leading chance here after finishing 7 lengths ahead of Fakir D’Oudairies in that race. Overall, Pic D’orhy and Fakir D’oudairies are the most likely winners, with Hitman and French Dynamite also strong contenders.

16:05 AintreeFri 14 Apr 2m5f Hcap Chs

The race is set to be a highly competitive affair, with a number of talented horses in the field. Haut En Couleurs, a smart chaser who fell in the Kinloch Brae Chase in January and finished fifth in the Plate at Cheltenham last month, looks a strong contender. Burrows Saint, who finished fourth in the Grand National in 2021, is also in the field and could be a player if he can keep up with the early pace.

Other contenders include Final Orders, who has won his last five starts over fences and finished fifth in the Grand Annual at Cheltenham last month, and Al Dancer, who won the Grand Sefton over the Aintree fences in December.

Ashtown Lad, who won the Becher Chase over these fences in December, is also in the field and should give a good account of himself. Meanwhile, Gesskille has run well over the Aintree fences twice already this season, finishing second in the Grand Sefton and third in the Becher, and is another who could be in the mix.

Overall, the Topham Handicap Chase looks set to be a fascinating race, with plenty of talented horses in the field and a competitive finish expected.

16:40 AintreeFri 14 Apr 3m Grd1 Nov Hrd

Looking at the runners in the Sefton Novices’ Hurdle, there are several horses with strong chances of winning.

Firstly, Absolute Notions is a 5-year-old who has displayed consistent improvement with each of his three starts over hurdles. He finished second in a Grade 1 at Leopardstown in February and his stout breeding suggests he will appreciate the step up to 3m. He is high on the list of contenders.

Blenkinsop is another horse that has shown significant improvement since switching to handicaps, winning all four of his starts in impressive fashion. He moves up in grade here, but his pedigree suggests he is well suited to the 3m distance and could still have more to offer.

Grey Dawning has a perfect record in three starts over hurdles, including a win in a Grade 2 at Warwick in January. He may need to improve again, but if the ground is soft, he could be a major contender.

Iroko is a very progressive handicapper who won a competitive handicap at the Cheltenham Festival last month. He has the potential to improve further over the 3m distance and should be respected.

Maximilian is a useful hurdler who won a Grade 2 at Doncaster in January, beating subsequent Albert Bartlett winner Stay Away Fay. He has potential to progress and is a strong contender.

Stay Away Fay himself is also a major player, having won the Albert Bartlett at the Cheltenham Festival last month. He has shown significant improvement in his short hurdling career and may still have more to offer.

Overall, it is difficult to pick a clear favourite from these contenders, but Absolute Notions, Blenkinsop, and Grey Dawning are three horses who could offer value at potentially longer odds.

17:15 AintreeFri 14 Apr 2m Hcap Hrd

The Abersoch Land And Sea Handicap Hurdle looks a fiercely competitive race with a number of in-form runners, making it difficult to pick out a clear favourite. However, there are a few runners that catch the eye.

Parramount has been in excellent form, winning three of his last four races with ease, and his latest victory at Fakenham was particularly impressive. He has been raised 10lbs in the weights for that victory, but his rider takes off a valuable 7lbs and he should give another good account.

Go Dante has improved with every run this season and was a ready winner at Wetherby last time out. The step up in trip and addition of cheekpieces could bring about further improvement, and he is one to keep an eye on.

Knickerbockerglory was a good second in the Imperial Cup last time out and is only 1lb higher in the weights. He is a front-runner who could prove difficult to catch if allowed an easy lead.

Blueking D’Oroux has only had three starts for Paul Nicholls and won on his handicap debut at Ascot 12 days ago. He carries a 7lb penalty for that victory, but he is a progressive 4-year-old who could have more to offer.

Soul Icon has been in fantastic form, winning seven of his last eight starts. He faces a 10lb rise in the weights for his latest victory, but he comes here fresh and shouldn’t be underestimated.

Overall, it’s a tough race to call, but Parramount and Soul Icon look to be the most likely contenders.

18:30 SouthwellFri 14 Apr 1m Hcap

Looking at the field, I would say that My Minervina, Inanna, and Mystic Pearl are the top contenders in this race.

My Minervina has shown good form in Ireland and was last seen finishing a good second at Dundalk in October. She has since moved to a new yard and is expected to do well on her first run on tapeta. With a strong piece of form and the potential to improve, she could be a smart bet.

Inanna won her debut race at Haydock last year and was then campaigned at a higher level. She did not do well in Listed/Group 3 company, but with her return to a more suitable level and her yard doing well, she could surprise in this race.

Mystic Pearl has shown improvement with each of her starts as a 2yo, and finished a good third in a Newmarket nursery when last seen. Although her stamina is not assured, she is with a top yard and is expected to continue improving, making her a strong contender.

Balalaika, Gareeb, and Smiling Sunflower also have potential, but may need to show more improvement to challenge the top contenders. Balalaika needs to resume progress on her handicap bow, Gareeb has shown improvement but is still relatively unexposed, and Smiling Sunflower may be vulnerable to more progressive rivals.

Overall, it should be an interesting race with several contenders having a chance, but My Minervina, Inanna, and Mystic Pearl are the ones to watch.

17:50 BallinrobeFri 14 Apr 2m1f Hcap Hrd

In this handicap hurdle race, there are several runners with a chance of winning.

Carbon King is a rapid improver, having won three of his last four starts on testing ground, including a 14-runner handicap hurdle at Navan last time. Even with a 13lb rise, he could still be competitive, especially with a useful 7lb claimer on board.

Holmes St Georges is lightly-raced but has shown promise, winning a handicap hurdle at Musselburgh and finishing a good second at Carlisle last time out. He could be open to further improvement and is one to consider.

Cafe Con Leche won a handicap hurdle at Limerick last time out, and even with a 13lb rise, his rider’s 5lb claim could help him remain competitive. He is one to watch.

Your Honor showed much-improved form to win a juvenile hurdle at Limerick last time, but he is facing more experienced rivals on his handicap debut and may find it tough off this mark.

Ebasari is a smart hurdler who won twice last year before finishing well at the Galway Festival. He may be respected on ground he handles.

Darkened won twice last summer, but his recent form leaves him with something to find against these rivals.

Wee Charlie is another lightly-raced contender who won a big-field handicap hurdle at Naas last time out. However, he has been raised 7lb for that success and may struggle to follow up.

Razzle Dazzle Love has been chasing without success but drops down the handicap and returns to hurdles. However, he may find this tough against more in-form rivals.

Overall, Carbon King and Holmes St Georges appear to have strong chances, with Cafe Con Leche and Ebasari also in the mix.

19:10 DundalkFri 14 Apr 7f Mdn

Banana Three is making his debut and may need the experience, while Marino Point has shown little in his two runs so far. Stop And Think has some promise, but he may need more time and is not ideally drawn. Toughen Up has been off for a while and may also need the run, while Winston Spencer is a reserve and needs to get a run.

Blue News has hit the frame in his last three runs and is likely to go well again, especially with the addition of a visor. City Exile is returning after a long break and may be best watched for now. Daonethatgotaway needs to improve on his debut run, while Only A Star ran respectably but needs more to win this.

Phases Of Venus is an interesting newcomer, but the hood on debut is a slight concern. Td’s Approach has a speedy pedigree, but he may need this run. Net A Porter Queen disappointed on her last run and has the widest draw to contend with. Grey Leader is a reserve and could improve on his debut.

Clounmacon sets the standard on form, having been narrowly denied in his first two runs before a below-par effort over 6f at the Curragh. Lady Christa has potential to improve, especially over longer distances, while New Route is a nice prospect but may need more time to fulfil his potential.

Overall, Blue News and Clounmacon look to have the best chances of winning based on their recent performances and form. Lady Christa and Phases Of Venus could also be interesting, but may need more time to develop.

18:20 BallinrobeFri 14 Apr 2m6f Hcap Hrd

Optional Mix is a consistent mare who has performed well over both hurdles and fences. She ran a respectable third in a handicap chase at Gowran 55 days ago and now switches back to hurdles. She is only 3lb higher than when she was second over hurdles at Gowran in January, and should be considered for the win.

Nine Graces won a 14-runner maiden at Punchestown last time out, and is expected to improve in handicaps. She is wearing a tongue-tie again, which she wore when winning last time out, and is likely to be competitive.

Soldaro has won her last two starts, a Clonmel maiden and a Downpatrick handicap. She is raised 8lb for her latest win, but is an improving mare who must be respected.

Parvos showed her best form when finishing second to Soldaro over 2m3f at Downpatrick last time, and is 6lb better off with that rival today. She could be suited by this longer trip, and is another who could challenge for the win.

Stolen Moment has won two of her five runs this season, including a handicap chase at Wexford on debut over fences. She is switching back to hurdles, but has something to find on form.

Robyndeglory won at Fairyhouse in February but has been disappointing in her last two starts, while Sainte Dona has been well beaten in her last two starts and needs to improve.

Bonnie Kellie switches from chase to hurdles, and has been running with credit over fences lately. She won at Limerick over Christmas before solid placed efforts, but was well beaten off her current mark when last seen over hurdles.

Ladiam won a Sligo maiden last August but was disappointing in two subsequent starts, and is difficult to back on her comeback.

Overall, Optional Mix, Nine Graces, Soldaro, and Parvos look to have the best chances of winning.

16:35 DundalkFri 14 Apr 5f Mdn

Emperor Of Rome: This No Nay Never colt is an obvious type from a top yard. His dam is closely related to useful winners over 7f and 1¼m, and he should be considered a major player on debut.

Excel In Space: This Exceed And Excel colt was third on debut over course and distance, and although he was unfancied that day, he should come on for the experience. However, he may be vulnerable to a decent newcomer.

Gloucester: This Ten Sovereigns colt is a half-brother to several winners, including smart performer Great House and useful 2-year-old Aboulie. His dam was a US 1m winner, and he looks like a likely type.

One Cool Cookie: This Cotai Glory colt finished last on debut at the Curragh over 5f on heavy ground. He should appreciate the switch to the all-weather surface, but may need more time and experience.

Parkside Boy: This Kuroshio colt is closely related to several winners, including Group-placed 5f 2-year-old Vocational and Cheveley Park winner Eternal Glory. His dam won the Cheveley Park, and the yard had a smart juvenile last season. The market should provide a good guide to his chances.

Overall, Emperor Of Rome and Gloucester look to be the two most likely winners, with Parkside Boy also worth considering based on his breeding and the yard’s record with juveniles.

15:20 SedgefieldFri 14 Apr 2m1f Mdn Hrd

Artiste D’ainay: This five-race maiden showed promise on his hurdles debut when finishing third behind subsequent Ballymore winner Impaire Et Passe at Naas in December. He travelled well for a long way before finishing runner-up at Musselburgh last month, suggesting he has untapped potential over hurdles.

Last Mission: Although a fair flat winner, he finished a remote sixth at Newcastle on his hurdling debut and may struggle to stay the distance.

Monaghan Boy: Despite showing promise in bumpers, he has yet to reach that level over hurdles and has been beaten 32l or more in his six attempts. The addition of a tongue-tie is not likely to make much difference.

My Brother Jack: A modest flat winner, he has finished runner-up in his first three hurdle runs, with the first two over C&D. Although he did not perform well on the flat in his final run last year, he sets the standard back over hurdles on his return and is respected for his in-form yard.

National Charter: Although a fair maiden on the flat, she has made no impact in three starts over hurdles and is unlikely to be a contender.

Rouse: Although still early days, he has shown poor form in three bumpers this winter and will need to improve significantly on this switch to hurdling.

Thunderclap: This fairly useful 1m2f flat winner has been progressing steadily over hurdles, finishing fourth at Ffos Las in January before a clear second at Huntingdon last month. His latest form puts him firmly in the picture, and he is open to more progress in this sphere.

Waspy: A winning pointer who shaped well on his only bumper outing, he was a promising second when switched to hurdling at Bangor in February. He could make a big impact if he settles a bit better this time.

14:45 SedgefieldFri 14 Apr 2m5f Hcap Chs

Marshalled has been struggling in his last two runs for his new yard and hasn’t been jumping fluently, so he is not the top pick. Getaway Luv has won two of his last four starts, but all his wins have come at shorter trips, and he looks vulnerable in this race. Touch Kick’s losing run is mounting up, and he has something to prove again after a break, so he can be overlooked.

Fulgurix has been seen just three times since his win last spring, but he showed a respectable third-place finish at Wetherby last month and is unexposed at this sort of trip. He has claims if he can build on that last run. Mac Suibhne won on his chasing debut at Wetherby in October and still has potential in this sphere, but he needs to step up again after a break. Mister Bells is a dual chase winner and is respected after winning at Market Rasen last month, but he goes back up in grade and carries a 4lb rise.

Spot On Soph won two handicap chases last season but hasn’t been in the same form in recent runs, finishing down the field in her last two starts. Cilluirid has an impressive record of 4-10 over fences, and all his wins have come at this track. Although he returns from 11 months off, he scored off this mark on his penultimate run last season and needs watching in the market.

However, the top pick in this race is Road Warrior, who bounced back to form with a 12-length victory at Newcastle last month. He remains potentially well treated and is capable of holding his form once finding it, so he has a good chance of following up with the yard going well.

16:15 LeicesterFri 14 Apr 1m4f Hcap

Juan Bermudez has low mileage and won his last race gamely, but fitness could be an issue after a four-month break. Croeso Cymraeg has a good record on good to firm ground and has fitness to prove after a 204-day absence. Duke Of Verona’s poor run at York in October raises concerns over his ability to cope with today’s conditions. In The Breeze made a low-key reappearance on Tapeta last month but has shown potential over C&D on heavy ground in the past. Kensington has significant potential and represents a top stable, but is making his turf/handicap debut after a six-month absence. Oman has a good mark but started off for Ian Williams with two very disappointing AW runs in February/March. Party Island needs to improve after finishing well down the field on his recent seasonal debut. Sonnerie Power has plenty of scope for further progress this year, but it’s hard to tell how well he’ll cope with the forecast heavy ground on his turf debut. Wind Your Neck In returns from a 253-day absence and finished last in his last three 3yo starts. Wise Glory is out of form on the Flat and over hurdles and it’s probably wise to wait for encouraging signals from the betting.

Overall, Sonnerie Power, In The Breeze, and Kensington have the most potential to win this race. Sonnerie Power had a big career-best win last September and is open to further improvement. In The Breeze has shown potential over C&D on heavy ground and is coming off a promising run at Newmarket last August. Kensington has significant potential and represents a top stable.

15:45 LeicesterFri 14 Apr 6f Claim Stks

In this 6f claiming stakes at Leicester Racecourse, there are a few contenders worth considering.

Doctor Mozart arrives in good form, having won two races this month, but it’s uncertain whether he will be as effective over 6f on turf as he was on Tapeta over 5f. Evolicatt has some decent form from last year and has been competitive in AW handicaps this year, but she needs to bounce back from a below-par effort last time out and is untested on slow turf.

In The Giving has been consistent in AW handicaps for her new stable this year and has a decent chance at the weights in this claimer. Crown Bridges makes his seasonal and stable debut, and although he has been disappointing in his last few starts, he showed promise on his debut and has cheekpieces on for the first time.

Tondeuse is lightly raced and unproven on turf, but her second-place finish in a Newcastle maiden on AW suggests she could be competitive at this level. However, she was soundly beaten on her recent handicap debut, and it’s uncertain whether the blinkers and switch to turf will help her find improvement.

Overall, Doctor Mozart and In The Giving look the most solid contenders, with Crown Bridges as a potential surprise package.

15:10 LeicesterFri 14 Apr 7f Hcap

Based on recent form and conditions, the most likely contenders for the 7f Bob Hillery 60th Birthday Celebration Handicap are likely to be Dashing Dick and Gorak.

Dashing Dick won this race last year off today’s mark and has been consistent on the Polytrack this season. He switches back to turf, which may suit him better as he ran well on soft ground in 2020. The only question mark is how he will handle the heavy ground, but he has proven to be adaptable to different conditions.

Gorak is in good form, having won easily at Doncaster on soft ground two starts ago. He was seventh under a penalty at Redcar last time out, but was left poorly placed due to the draw. He’s still on a workable mark and can be given another chance, although the heavy ground may be a slight concern.

Of the other runners, Tylos has shown some promise on the AW, but his tendency to race too freely could be a problem on his first run on heavy ground. Soar Above is more of an AW specialist, but should find this race easier than the Class 2 race he contested last month. However, it remains to be seen if the heavy ground will suit him.

Amber Island has struggled for form this year and has yet to prove herself on ground slower than good to soft. So, she is hard to recommend. Finally, Soar Above was a narrow winner at Kempton last season but disappointed last time out at Kempton and it remains to be seen how he will fare on heavy ground.

16:30 SedgefieldFri 14 Apr 3m3f Hcap Hrd

Thatbeatsbanagher has an excellent record at this track and is coming off a career-best win over course and distance. With a handy 5lb off once again, he looks to have a strong chance of being in the mix.

Ballin Bay has shown some encouragement in his previous starts, including a good effort at Carlisle last month, and the switch to handicaps and increase in trip could unlock further progress.

The Blame Game has all three of his victories at this track, including a win over Thatbeatsbanagher in February. He remains with handicapping scope and looks to be heading in the right direction.

Atomic Angel is a C&D winner who comes into this race off a good second place finish at Hexham. However, this looks to be a deeper race and she may struggle against stronger competition.

Dora De Janeiro has been inconsistent but showed some promise with a third place finish in December. With the extreme trip worth a try, she could be an each-way player.

Great Raffles has been consistently in the frame this season and should be suited by a return to this test. He is a player in this race.

Mr Palmtree is coming off a good win at Warwick and has previously won over 3m1f. He looks to be a big player if he can be as effective at this track.

Lockdown Leader has been inconsistent and returns after a break and wind surgery. He seems best on a sound surface and looks unlikely to feature here.

Alien Encounter has not shown much in previous starts and needs to step up significantly on handicap debut.

Overall, Thatbeatsbanagher, The Blame Game, and Mr Palmtree look to be the strongest contenders in this race, with Ballin Bay and Great Raffles also worth considering.