Archive›Aintree · 11 April 2026

Aintree

11 April 2026 · 7 races

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12:45 — Hallgarten & Novum Wines Maghull Novices' Chase (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

2m · Soft · G1 · 8 runners

Lead contested: Salvator Mundi v Mighty BanditFREEHISTORIC

How it ran

Be Aware led; the map had Salvator Mundi and Mighty Bandit in front.

Mirabad won at 51.00 — was held up, where the map had it raced midfield.

2 of 8 runners raced in the group the map gave them

Race shape

Lead · 2

Salvator MundiMighty Bandit

Prominent · 3

Kala ContiBe AwareKing Of Kingsfield

Midfield · 2

AlnilamMirabad

Hold Up · 1

No Questions Asked

Salvator Mundi and Mighty Bandit will ensure a genuine gallop from the outset, with both confirmed front-runners likely to dispute the early lead over this sharp 2-mile trip. The honest pace they set will stretch the field and create pressure throughout, particularly on the testing going conditions. With limited cover available and the pace likely to be relentless, prominent racers who can track the leaders without getting embroiled in the early battle hold a clear tactical advantage. This race shape strongly favours prominent runners who can position close enough to strike but avoid the early speed duel.

Runner profiles

Race scenarios

Prominent Tracker Strikes

45% probability

If the two leaders engage in a sustained battle from halfway, burning each other out

The honest gallop perfectly sets up horses tracking in third or fourth, allowing them to pick up the pieces when the pace-setters weaken. Be Aware and Kala Conti are ideally positioned to exploit this dynamic.

Be AwareKala ContiAlnilamKing Of Kingsfield

Leader Survives Battle

30% probability

If one of Salvator Mundi or Mighty Bandit can establish a clear advantage and dictate terms

The winner gets first run on their rivals and maintains just enough in reserve to repel late challengers on ground that will sap stamina. Strong jumping becomes crucial to maintain momentum.

Salvator MundiMighty BanditBe AwareKala Conti

Hold-Up Horse Benefits

15% probability

If the early pace becomes truly ferocious and the field comes back to the closers

No Questions Asked can use his patient tactics to devastating effect, picking off tired leaders in the final furlong. The soft ground will amplify the effects of early pace pressure.

No Questions AskedAlnilamMirabadKing Of Kingsfield

Tactical Surprise

10% probability

If the two main pace-setters are slower to engage than expected, creating a more sedate tempo

This allows the patient runners to get closer than anticipated while keeping something in reserve for a sustained finish. The race becomes more about class than tactics.

Kala ContiNo Questions AskedBe AwareSalvator Mundi

Race position map

LeadProminentMidfieldHold up

Watch points

KEY

Salvator Mundi and Mighty Bandit engaging in early speed duel could set up the race for patient trackers

WATCH

Kala Conti's fitness after 70-day break despite being highest-rated runner in the field

NOTE

No Questions Asked getting closer to the pace than usual if the early gallop is moderate

WATCH

King Of Kingsfield's jumping after 134 days off and whether Danny Gilligan can get him competitive from the start

NOTE

Be Aware's ability to position perfectly behind the two leaders without getting caught in their battle

1:20 — William Hill Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

3m½f · Soft · HCAP · 22 runners

3 vying for the leadFREEHISTORIC

How it ran

Hold The Serve led, as the map showed.

Wade Out won at 19.00 — raced prominently, as the map had it.

9 of 22 runners raced in the group the map gave them

Race shape

Lead · 3

Push The ButtonFortune TimmyHold The Serve

Prominent · 9

Supremely WestEagle FangWade OutKikijoAbsolutely DoyenGood To Be AliveGet On GeorgeBold EndeavourQuantum Quest

Midfield · 3

Kaka's CousinLihyanIdem

Hold Up · 7

Jeriko Du ReponetHarbour LakeChart TopperAce Of SpadesMinella RescueIkarakDuke Silver

Push The Button, Fortune Timmy, and Hold The Serve will force a strong gallop from the start, with Fortune Timmy's recent wins showing he's in good order to sustain the pace. The 22-runner field creates a traffic nightmare through the middle stages, with 9 prominent racers fighting for position behind the leaders. This sets up perfectly for the patient hold-up horses like Jeriko Du Reponet, Ace Of Spades, and Harbour Lake who can avoid the scrimmaging and unleash late runs. The combination of strong early pace and prominent congestion strongly favours hold-up horses with tactical speed.

Runner profiles

Race scenarios

Hold-Up Horses Dominate

55% probability

If the front three go too fast and the prominent pack gets congested turning for home

The pace collapses as leaders tire and traffic develops, allowing the patient runners clear runs to sweep past tired horses. Hold-up specialists with class can pick off the field systematically.

Jeriko Du ReponetAce Of SpadesChart TopperHarbour Lake

Prominent Tactical Success

25% probability

If one or two prominent runners can secure ideal positions without getting trapped

They avoid both the early pace burn and the late traffic, timing their moves perfectly as leaders weaken. The tactical prominent horses get first run on the tiring pace-setters.

Absolutely DoyenSupremely WestKaka's CousinGet On George

Front Runner Survives

12% probability

If Fortune Timmy or Hold The Serve can control the tempo and kick clear before the closers arrive

The leader dictates a more manageable pace than expected, staying strong enough to resist the late challenge. Class and stamina prevail over pure tactics.

Hold The ServeFortune TimmyPush The ButtonGood To Be Alive

Pace Collapses Completely

8% probability

If all three leaders go too hard early and burn out spectacularly before halfway

The race becomes a sprint from the back as no horse wants to go forward, suiting the strongest late finisher. Pure class and acceleration decide the winner.

Chart TopperLihyanDuke SilverIkarak

Race position map

LeadProminentMidfieldHold up

Watch points

KEY

Fortune Timmy and Hold The Serve must not let Push The Button dictate the early tempo or all three leaders could go too fast

WATCH

Absolutely Doyen and Supremely West need to secure prominent positions early before the field bunches approaching the home turn

WATCH

Jeriko Du Reponet requires a strong pace and clear run from the back to be effective in this large field

NOTE

Harbour Lake's 100-day absence and jumping reliability after such a break needs monitoring

NOTE

Bold Endeavour wearing cheekpieces for first time suggests connections think he needs more pace engagement

1:55 — Turners Mersey Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

2m4f · Soft · G1 · 13 runners

3 vying for the leadFREEHISTORIC

How it ran

Rooster Crowing led; the map had Montemares and Masked Man and Came From Nowhere in front.

Bossman Jack won at 3.75 — raced midfield, where the map had it was held up. One of the race scenarios named it.

5 of 12 runners raced in the group the map gave them

Race shape

Lead · 3

MontemaresMasked ManCame From Nowhere

Prominent · 4

BallyfadRooster CrowingOnlyforfrankieKosac d'Oudairies

Midfield · 2

Scorpio RisingCharisma Cat

Hold Up · 4

Soldier ReevesBossman JackLord ByronZanndabad

Montemares, Masked Man, and Came From Nowhere will ensure a strong gallop from the outset, with all three natural front-runners likely to dispute the early lead. This relentless pace will stretch the field and test stamina reserves over the testing 2m4f trip on soft ground at Aintree. The sustained gallop will suit horses with proven staying power who can finish strongly from off the pace. This race shape strongly favours hold-up horses and patient riders who can capitalize on the inevitable pace collapse.

Runner profiles

Race scenarios

Strong Pace Collapse

60% probability

If the three front-runners maintain a fierce gallop through the middle stages

The leaders will weaken dramatically from the second-last hurdle, allowing closers with superior stamina to surge past tired rivals. Hold-up performers like Bossman Jack and Soldier Reeves are perfectly positioned to exploit this scenario.

Bossman JackSoldier ReevesScorpio RisingCharisma Cat

Tactical Battle Emerges

25% probability

If one of the front-runners drops back early, reducing the overall tempo

A more measured pace allows prominent racers to conserve energy and kick clear from the final hurdle. Ballyfad and Rooster Crowing can position perfectly to strike when the race develops.

BallyfadRooster CrowingKosac d'OudairiesOnlyforfrankie

Front Runner Survives

10% probability

If Montemares or Came From Nowhere gets a soft lead after rivals fall away

The leader maintains enough in reserve to repel late challenges on ground that suits their style. Their recent form suggests the ability to dictate from the front successfully.

MontemaresCame From NowhereMasked ManScorpio Rising

Pace Suits Midfield

5% probability

If the early pace is genuine but not suicidal, allowing tactical positioning

Horses settling in fourth or fifth can time their runs perfectly without being caught too far back. This narrow window requires perfect judgment from experienced jockeys.

ZanndabadLord ByronCharisma CatOnlyforfrankie

Race position map

LeadProminentMidfieldHold up

Watch points

KEY

Montemares could get an uncontested lead if Masked Man and Came From Nowhere fail to go early pace

WATCH

Soldier Reeves offers strong each-way value if the pace sets up perfectly for his finishing kick

WATCH

Ballyfad's prominent style could be negated entirely if the three leaders set a furious early gallop

NOTE

Lord Byron's poor recent form makes him vulnerable despite his each-way appeal on ratings

NOTE

Charisma Cat's weight allowance could prove crucial in a tight finish between the hold-up horses

2:30 — William Hill Handicap Chase (Registered As The Freebooter Handicap Chase) (Premier Handicap) (GBB)

3m1f · Soft · HCAP · 18 runners

Lead contested: Lookaway v MyretownFREEHISTORIC

How it ran

Glengouly led; the map had Lookaway and Myretown in front.

Mr Hope Street won at 5.00 — was held up, as the map had it. One of the race scenarios named it.

3 of 13 runners raced in the group the map gave them

Race shape

Lead · 2

LookawayMyretown

Prominent · 7

Leave Of AbsenceKonfusionImperial SaintAmiriteBadCruz ControlBrave Fortune

Midfield · 4

Uncle BertStolen SilverJosh The BossGlengouly

Hold Up · 5

Ain't That A ShameDeep CaveIn LoveMr Hope StreetChance Another One

Lookaway and the declared runners will set honest early fractions in this competitive handicap chase over testing ground. With one confirmed front-runner in Lookaway, expect a solid gallop from the start that will string out the 18-runner field early. The good-to-soft conditions and 3m1f trip will create a stamina test where horses need to be positioned handily turning for home. This race shape strongly favours prominent runners and those with tactical pace who can avoid traffic problems in a large field.

Runner profiles

Race scenarios

Honest Gallop Holds

45% probability

If Lookaway maintains a solid tempo without going too fast early

The pace will be genuine but sustainable, allowing prominent runners to stay in touch and kick when it matters. Hold-up horses will find it difficult to make up ground in the large field on testing ground.

BadLeave Of AbsenceKonfusionJosh The Boss

Strong Early Pace

30% probability

If multiple prominent runners press Lookaway and force a stronger early tempo

The increased pace will set up the race for closers who can stay the trip and have the class to pick up the pieces. The testing conditions will amplify the effects of the early exertions.

Deep CaveMr Hope StreetChance Another OneAin't That A Shame

Muddling Early Pace

15% probability

If Lookaway is allowed an easy lead with little early pressure

The race will become a sprint finish where tactical positioning matters most and those closest to the pace hold the advantage. Prominent runners with a turn of foot will benefit from the lack of early tempo.

Uncle BertCruz ControlBrave FortuneGlengouly

Traffic Problems

10% probability

If the large field causes significant interference or bunching at key moments

Running room becomes crucial and those able to secure clear passages will have major advantages over equally talented rivals who get hampered. Early positioning will prove vital.

BadKonfusionLeave Of AbsenceJosh The Boss

Race position map

LeadProminentMidfieldHold up

Watch points

KEY

Lookaway must be watched early as the lone confirmed front-runner could dictate proceedings entirely

WATCH

Uncle Bert carries just 160lbs with a 5lb claimer and could be overpriced after his course win

NOTE

Bad and Leave Of Absence both hold strong chances if they can secure good positions early

WATCH

Traffic problems are likely in this 18-runner field so early positioning will be crucial

NOTE

Deep Cave needs a strong pace to collapse but has winning form at exactly this trip

3:05 — Jet2 Liverpool Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

3m½f · Soft · G1 · 12 runners

Hiddenvalley Lake likeliest to leadFREEHISTORIC

How it ran

Hewick led; the map had Hiddenvalley Lake in front.

Home By The Lee won at 6.00 — raced prominently, where the map had it was held up. One of the race scenarios named it.

3 of 11 runners raced in the group the map gave them

Race shape

Lead · 1

Hiddenvalley Lake

Prominent · 4

Strong LeaderHonesty PolicyJingko BlueHewick

Midfield · 3

DoddiethegreatHappy JackyAir Of Entitlement

Hold Up · 4

Home By The LeeImpose ToiTake No ChancesLavida Adiva

Hiddenvalley Lake will set the pace with minimal early pressure, creating a controlled gallop over this stamina test. Strong Leader, Honesty Policy and Jingko Blue will track prominently, but none will apply significant pressure to the leader early. The lack of genuine pace pressure means the race will develop into a tactical affair where positioning becomes crucial approaching the business end. This scenario strongly favours hold-up horses who can produce sustained finishing kicks, as the moderate early pace will leave plenty in reserve for those coming from behind.

Runner profiles

Race scenarios

Hold-Up Heroes Dominate

55% probability

If Hiddenvalley Lake is allowed to dictate a modest pace without serious challenge

The tactical nature allows hold-up specialists to position perfectly and unleash devastating late runs when the pace quickens. Home By The Lee and Impose Toi benefit most from this patient setup with their proven finishing kicks.

Home By The LeeImpose ToiTake No ChancesLavida Adiva

Prominent Pressure Pays

25% probability

If Strong Leader or Honesty Policy decide to challenge Hiddenvalley Lake earlier than expected

The increased tempo stretches the field and prevents hold-up horses from closing effectively. Those already in striking positions can capitalize on their forward placement.

Strong LeaderHonesty PolicyJingko BlueHewick

Tactical Sprint Finish

15% probability

If the field remains bunched turning for home with multiple horses still on the bridle

A mad dash develops over the final two furlongs where class and tactical speed matter most. The highest-rated horses with good positioning edge out those caught wide or flat-footed.

Home By The LeeHiddenvalley LakeImpose ToiStrong Leader

Pace Collapse Chaos

5% probability

If Hiddenvalley Lake goes too slow and the field becomes strung out with stop-start fractions

The race turns into a messy affair where horses with tactical pace rather than pure class can steal it. Those able to adapt quickly to the changing rhythm gain the advantage.

Air Of EntitlementDoddiethegreatJingko BlueTake No Chances

Race position map

LeadProminentMidfieldHold up

Watch points

KEY

Hiddenvalley Lake setting too slow a pace early could create tactical chaos that derails market leaders

WATCH

Strong Leader's 77-day absence after good recent form - watch for fitness versus freshness factor

NOTE

Home By The Lee's jumping under pressure in the final mile given his hold-up style reliance

WATCH

Impose Toi's position turning for home as Henderson horses often need good early positioning

NOTE

Take No Chances and Lavida Adiva carrying 7lbs less weight could be significant in tactical finish

4:00 — Randox Grand National Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

4m2½f · Soft · HCAP · 37 runners

4 vying for the leadFREEHISTORIC

How it ran

Amirite led; the map had Champ Kiely and Mr Vango and High Class Hero and Gorgeous Tom in front.

I Am Maximus won at 5.50 — raced prominently, where the map had it was held up. One of the race scenarios named it.

16 of 34 runners raced in the group the map gave them

Race shape

Lead · 4

Champ KielyMr VangoHigh Class HeroGorgeous Tom

Prominent · 15

Nick RockettBanbridgeHaiti CouleursGerri ColombeMonty's StarLecky WatsonIrokoFavori De ChampdouThree Card BragStellar StoryBeauportThe Real WhackerQuai De BourbonAnswer To KayfTop Of The Bill

Midfield · 7

Panic AttackFinal OrdersTwigImperial SaintAmiriteJohnnywhoPied Piper

Hold Up · 11

I Am MaximusGrangeclare WestSpillane's TowerFirefoxSpanish HarlemOscars BrotherJagwarCaptain CodyPerceval LegalloisJordansMarble Sands

Champ Kiely, High Class Hero, Mr Vango and Gorgeous Tom will ensure a strong gallop from the start, with Haiti Couleurs, Panic Attack and Banbridge also wanting to be handy early. This creates a searching test of stamina over the marathon trip, with the relentless pace likely to string out the field significantly by halfway. The prominent brigade faces congestion issues with 15+ runners wanting that position, creating traffic problems at the business end. This pace scenario heavily favours the hold-up horses who can pick off tired leaders, particularly those with proven stamina at extreme distances.

Runner profiles

Race scenarios

Hold-up horses dominate

65% probability

If the strong early pace creates the expected stamina test and prominent runners get into trouble

The relentless gallop set by multiple front-runners will take its toll, allowing patient riders on proven stayers to sweep past tired leaders in the final mile. Horses like I Am Maximus, Firefox and Jagwar can exploit this perfectly with their come-from-behind styles.

I Am MaximusFirefoxJagwarJohnnywho

Prominent tactical winner

20% probability

If one of the handy horses can find the perfect position without getting caught in the early pace battle

A horse like Gerri Colombe or Monty's Star could sit just off the pace setters, avoid the early burn-up, and have enough left to outrun the closers. The key is positioning third or fourth early rather than disputing the lead.

Gerri ColombeMonty's StarIrokoStellar Story

Front-runner survives

12% probability

If the early pace is more measured than expected due to tactical jockeying

Haiti Couleurs or Mr Vango could dictate terms from the front and have enough stamina reserves to repel late challenges. Their marathon experience gives them the edge if they can control the tempo.

Haiti CouleursMr VangoChamp KielyTop Of The Bill

Chaos benefits outsider

3% probability

If multiple fallers and traffic problems eliminate many fancied runners

The Grand National's unpredictable nature could see a lesser-fancied horse with a clear passage benefit from others' misfortunes. Horses like Final Orders or Marble Sands have the experience to capitalize on carnage.

Final OrdersMarble SandsAnswer To KayfPerceval Legallois

Race position map

LeadProminentMidfieldHold up

Watch points

KEY

Multiple front-runners including Champ Kiely, High Class Hero, Mr Vango and Gorgeous Tom will create a searching early pace that could burn out prominent horses caught up in the battle

WATCH

Traffic problems likely at crucial stages with 15+ horses wanting prominent positions, particularly dangerous approaching the final three fences

WATCH

Fitness concerns for The Real Whacker (100 days), Marble Sands (106 days), Perceval Legallois (100 days) and Top Of The Bill (56 days) who may not last the demanding trip

NOTE

Several reserves including Imperial Saint and Amirite may get late call-ups if any non-runners emerge before the race

NOTE

Hold-up horses like I Am Maximus and Firefox could benefit significantly if the expected strong pace materializes and prominent runners tire

5:00 — Weatherbys nhstallions.co.uk Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (Grade 2) (GBB Race)

2m1f · Soft · G2 · 20 runners

7 vying for the leadFREEHISTORIC

How it ran

Bass Hunter led, as the map showed.

Forthfactor won at 11.00 — raced midfield, where the map had it led.

5 of 20 runners raced in the group the map gave them

Race shape

Lead · 7

Bass HunterLook MeOne KnightRonnie RussetThe Perfect PoetMerry AwayForthfactor

Prominent · 7

Smile John BoyGovernors RockLe Roi RemiMoments AwayCooltobecarelessRices PoolBarachiel

Midfield · 0

None

Hold Up · 6

Risky ObsessionMerlin AllenChickerNightflyerThelastmanfrompenrMakingplansfor

Bass Hunter, Look Me, The Perfect Poet, Merry Away, Forthfactor, One Knight and Ronnie Russet will ensure a relentless gallop from the off in this competitive Grade 2. With seven confirmed front runners spread across the field, the pace will be genuinely strong throughout the 2m1f journey on testing ground. The sustained tempo will stretch the field and expose any stamina limitations, particularly with the soft going adding extra demands. This race shape strongly favours hold-up horses and late finishers who can capitalise on the inevitable pace collapse.

Runner profiles

Race scenarios

Pace Collapse Finish

45% probability

If the front runners maintain their aggressive tactics and the gallop stays strong to 2f out

The relentless early pace will take its toll and create the perfect setup for hold-up horses to pick up the pieces. Stamina and tactical positioning become the decisive factors as the leaders weaken.

ThelastmanfrompenrMerlin AllenChickerRisky Obsession

Prominent Survives Pace

30% probability

If one of the prominent racers like Rices Pool or Cooltobecareless gets the perfect pitch just off the leaders

They can benefit from the strong gallop without doing the donkey work, then strike when the leaders falter in the final furlong. Their forward position gives them first run on the weakening pace-setters.

Rices PoolCooltobecarelessLe Roi RemiSmile John Boy

Front Runner Dominates

15% probability

If the soft ground plays to the stamina strengths of Bass Hunter or Look Me and they can sustain their effort

One of the established leaders proves best suited to the testing conditions and gallops clear when rivals cry enough. Class and stamina combine to overcome tactical disadvantage.

Bass HunterLook MeOne KnightThe Perfect Poet

Messy Tactical Affair

10% probability

If the early pace becomes moderate due to the large field spreading out or tactical riding

The race becomes a sprint finish where positioning and luck in running become crucial factors. The strongest finisher from any position can prevail in a blanket finish.

NightflyerGovernors RockMoments AwayBarachiel

Race position map

LeadProminentMidfieldHold up

Watch points

KEY

Bass Hunter and Look Me setting unsustainable fractions early could set up the perfect storm for hold-up horses

WATCH

The ground conditions deteriorating further would heavily favour the stamina types over those needing faster surface

NOTE

Thelastmanfrompenr and Merlin Allen getting good positions in the rear half as the pace unfolds ahead

WATCH

Any of the seven front runners trying to restrain early could disrupt the expected strong gallop scenario

NOTE

Rices Pool and Cooltobecareless securing the ideal prominent pitches just behind the main pace battle

About this analysis

Every race on PaceMap is read from the in-running comments of each runner’s recent form — how a horse actually ran, not only where it finished. Those comments decide the groups above, and the same comments are read back after the race to score what was published. The record is public, including the months it was worse.

Read the method behind this analysis →

This meeting ran on 11 April 2026.

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