Archive›Aintree · 9 April 2026

Aintree

9 April 2026 · 7 races

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1:45 — Boodles Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

2m1f · Soft · G1 · 10 runners

Lead contested: Lord v Aqua BleuFREEHISTORIC

How it ran

Lord led, as the map showed.

Mange Tout won at 6.00 — raced midfield, as the map had it.

5 of 10 runners raced in the group the map gave them

Race shape

Lead · 2

LordAqua Bleu

Prominent · 4

Minella StudyMaestro ContiWinston JuniorSelma De Vary

Midfield · 2

Mange ToutAmmes

Hold Up · 2

Wolf RayetIndian River

Lord and Aqua Bleu will ensure a genuine pace from the start, with both confirmed front-runners likely to dispute the early lead over the opening circuit. The prominent brigade of Maestro Conti, Mange Tout, Selma De Vary, and Winston Junior will create significant traffic problems turning for home, particularly with four horses wanting similar positions 2-3 out. Hold-up horses Indian River and Wolf Rayet face the dual challenge of getting a clear run and making up significant ground against proven Grade-level performers who can sustain their efforts. This pace dynamic strongly favours prominent racers who can secure good positions early and avoid the inevitable squeeze.

Runner profiles

Race scenarios

Prominent Takes Charge

50% probability

If the early pace is solid but not frantic, allowing the prominent runners to track comfortably

Maestro Conti or Minella Study can use their class edge to strike turning in, benefiting from the perfect stalking position behind the leaders. Their superior ratings and recent Grade-level form gives them the tactical advantage when the race develops.

Maestro ContiMinella StudyMange ToutWinston Junior

Front Runner Survives

25% probability

If Lord or Aqua Bleu can dictate at a manageable tempo without serious early pressure

The leader gets first run and holds off late challengers, with their stamina proven at this trip on testing ground. Soft conditions suit both front-runners' previous winning performances.

LordAqua BleuMaestro ContiMange Tout

Hold-Up Charge Success

15% probability

If the pace collapses early or traffic opens up perfectly for the back markers

Indian River or Wolf Rayet get the ideal setup with a moderate pace and clear passage, allowing their finishing kick to be effective. Their hold-up style only works if the race falls apart tactically.

Indian RiverWolf RayetSelma De VaryAmmes

Complete Pace Meltdown

10% probability

If both leaders go too hard early and the prominent runners get caught in traffic

The race becomes a lottery with tired leaders and blocked prominent runners, creating opportunities for any horse getting a clear run. Tactical positioning becomes irrelevant in a scrimmaging finish.

Winston JuniorAmmesSelma De VaryWolf Rayet

Race position map

LeadProminentMidfieldHold up

Watch points

KEY

Watch for traffic problems at the second-last flight where Mange Tout, Winston Junior, and Selma De Vary could all converge on the same piece of ground

WATCH

Monitor how aggressively Lord and Aqua Bleu go in the early stages as both have front-running tendencies that could create a pace duel

NOTE

Indian River and Wolf Rayet need the race to develop perfectly with either slow early pace or clear late runs to be competitive

WATCH

Maestro Conti has been well-backed and Harry Skelton's positioning will be crucial given the likely prominent congestion

NOTE

The 66-day gap for Mange Tout could be significant despite Elliott's excellent record with horses returning from breaks

2:20 — William Hill Manifesto Novices' Chase (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

2m4f · Soft · G1 · 5 runners

Lead contested: Lulamba v Jax JuniorHISTORIC

How it ran

Koktail Divin led; the map had Lulamba and Jax Junior in front.

Koktail Divin won at 4.00 — led, where the map had it raced prominently. One of the race scenarios named it.

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

Race shape

Lead · 2

LulambaJax Junior

Prominent · 2

Koktail DivinBlueking d'Oroux

Midfield · 0

None

Hold Up · 1

Mambonumberfive

Lulamba and Jax Junior are both confirmed front runners who will set a genuine gallop from the start, with neither likely to yield easily in the early stages. This creates an honest pace throughout the 2m4f trip, preventing any slow early fractions that could favor hold-up horses. The prominent racers Blueking d'Oroux and Koktail Divin will track the leaders closely, while Mambonumberfive faces the toughest task from his hold-up position. This pace setup clearly favors the prominent racers who can sit just off the pace and strike when the front runners tire.

Runner profiles

Race scenarios

Prominent Racers Prevail

45% probability

If Lulamba and Jax Junior duel too hard early and weaken in the final furlong

The honest gallop set by the front runners plays into the hands of those tracking just behind, allowing them to time their runs perfectly. Blueking d'Oroux and Koktail Divin benefit most from this tactical setup with their preferred prominent positions.

Blueking d'OrouxKoktail DivinLulambaJax Junior

Lulamba Dominates Again

30% probability

If Lulamba can dictate terms from the front without facing serious early pressure

Despite Jax Junior's presence, Lulamba's superior class tells as he controls the pace and kicks clear approaching the last. His Arkle third shows he belongs at this level, and the slight step up in trip suits his stamina reserves.

LulambaJax JuniorKoktail DivinBlueking d'Oroux

Distance Specialists Emerge

15% probability

If the pace becomes truly searching and stamina becomes the deciding factor

The 2m4f trip and testing ground combine to expose the lesser stayers in the field. Koktail Divin's recent 3m1f Brown Advisory run suggests he has untapped stamina reserves for this intermediate distance.

Koktail DivinMambonumberfiveBlueking d'OrouxLulamba

Shock Fresh Horse

10% probability

If Mambonumberfive's 61-day break proves an advantage and the pace collapses early

The hold-up horse benefits from superior fitness while others have had harder recent campaigns. His fresh legs and proven 2m ability could surprise if the early pace is moderate enough to give him a chance.

MambonumberfiveJax JuniorLulambaKoktail Divin

Race position map

LeadProminentMidfieldHold up

Watch points

KEY

Lulamba and Jax Junior could engage in a pace duel that destroys both their chances early in the race

WATCH

Mambonumberfive may struggle to get competitive from his hold-up style if the early pace is as strong as expected

NOTE

Blueking d'Oroux's cheekpieces could sharpen his jumping which was his main weakness in previous defeats

WATCH

Koktail Divin's last run was 29 days ago in testing conditions which may have left its mark

NOTE

Tom Cannon's 7lb claim on Jax Junior provides a useful weight advantage in this competitive field

2:55 — Racing Welfare Bowl Chase (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

3m1f · Soft · G1 · 5 runners

Pic d'Orhy to leadHISTORIC

How it ran

Protektorat led; the map had Pic d'Orhy in front.

Jango Baie won at 2.00 — raced prominently, as the map had it. One of the race scenarios named it.

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

Race shape

Lead · 1

Pic d'Orhy

Prominent · 2

Jango BaieProtektorat

Midfield · 0

None

Hold Up · 2

Spillane's TowerImpaire Et Passe

Pic d'Orhy will take them along from the front at a sustainable gallop, with Jango Baie and Protektorat likely to track him in behind. The small field and lack of genuine pace pressure means this will develop into a staying test rather than a speed battle. Hold-up horses Impaire Et Passe and Spillane's Tower will need to rely on stamina and finishing kick from the back. This race shape strongly favours front-runners and prominent racers who can dictate terms and have the stamina to see out the extended trip.

Runner profiles

Race scenarios

Pic d'Orhy Dominates Front

45% probability

If Pic d'Orhy gets an uncontested lead and maintains rhythm

His class and front-running style will be perfectly suited to controlling this small field. The 11-year-old's stamina reserves will prove decisive when others struggle with the pace injection late on.

Pic d'OrhyJango BaieProtektoratSpillane's Tower

Prominent Tracker Strikes

30% probability

If Jango Baie or Protektorat can travel smoothly behind the leader

Either prominent runner can time their challenge perfectly from an ideal stalking position. Their ability to stay in touch without doing early work gives them the tactical edge over the hold-up horses.

Jango BaieProtektoratPic d'OrhyImpaire Et Passe

Hold-up Horse Comeback

15% probability

If the pace collapses completely and becomes a sprint finish

Impaire Et Passe's class could shine through if the race becomes tactical enough for his finishing kick. The trip remains a concern but his raw ability might overcome positional disadvantage.

Impaire Et PasseSpillane's TowerJango BaieProtektorat

Spillane's Tower Surprise

10% probability

If the recent Grade 2 winner finds significant improvement for the step up in trip

His 75-day break might have him primed for a big effort at a longer distance that suits. The extended trip could unlock untapped stamina reserves that his connections believe exist.

Spillane's TowerImpaire Et PassePic d'OrhyJango Baie

Race position map

LeadProminentMidfieldHold up

Watch points

KEY

Impaire Et Passe looks vulnerable if the pace is genuine early as his hold-up style and trip question create a double tactical disadvantage

WATCH

Pic d'Orhy's 54-day break could leave him short of peak fitness if the race becomes a grueling stamina test in the closing stages

NOTE

Jango Baie's positioning will be crucial - if he gets too keen tracking Pic d'Orhy he could compromise his finishing kick

WATCH

Spillane's Tower's 75-day absence and trainer's poor recent record suggest he needs to find significant improvement to feature

NOTE

The genuine good to soft going favors the entire field based on their recent form patterns and preferences

3:30 — Randox Foxhunters' Open Hunters' Chase

2m5f · Soft · CLS2 · 25 runners

A Moments Madness to leadHISTORIC

How it ran

No horse was credited with leading.

Barton Snow won at 2.75 — raced prominently, where the map had it was held up. One of the race scenarios named it.

9 of 24 runners raced in the group the map gave them

Race shape

Lead · 1

A Moments Madness

Prominent · 10

Unexpected PartyIts On The LineLets Go ChampFamous ClermontMusic DriveGracchus De BalmeGolden SonFan De BluesDensworthWillewonga

Midfield · 7

Java PointGaboriotJoker De MaiA Jet Of Our OwnHollywood HarmonGreat NotionsWhats The Solution

Hold Up · 7

Barton SnowThunder RockTake AllSnipeFairly FamousEnqardeEmpire De Maulde

A Moments Madness is the sole confirmed front-runner in a 25-runner field, meaning he'll get his own way in front without early pressure. Behind him, 10+ runners want prominent positions including Its On The Line, Barton Snow, Unexpected Party, Golden Son and Music Drive, creating a bunched pack tracking the leader. This congestion will cause traffic problems and interference from 3 out as the field narrows, with many prominent runners getting squeezed for room. The sustainable early pace followed by late carnage strongly favours hold-up horses who can pick their way through the chaos and hit the line late.

Runner profiles

Race scenarios

Hold-Up Heroes Strike

65% probability

If A Moments Madness sets moderate fractions and the prominent pack gets snarled up turning for home

The patient riders with space to maneuver will capitalize as the congested front group falls apart in the final half-mile. Thunder Rock, Barton Snow and Take All are perfectly positioned to exploit the inevitable traffic problems.

Thunder RockBarton SnowTake AllSnipe

Prominent Position Pays

20% probability

If the prominent runners sort themselves out cleanly and avoid major interference

The class horses tracking just behind A Moments Madness maintain their positions and battle it out up the straight without getting caught in trouble. Its On The Line and Unexpected Party have the quality to prevail if they stay clear.

Its On The LineUnexpected PartyGolden SonMusic Drive

Pace Collapses Early

10% probability

If A Moments Madness goes too slow and gets swamped by the prominent brigade before halfway

The race becomes a sprint finish with all styles converging together, turning it into a pure class contest. Barton Snow's proven stamina and recent Cheltenham win give him the edge in a tactical affair.

Barton SnowIts On The LineUnexpected PartyThunder Rock

Carnage Creates Surprise

5% probability

If multiple fallers and interference eliminate the market leaders

The race opens up for an unfancied runner who avoids trouble and stays on their feet through the chaos. A Moments Madness could even steal it if he's still there at the business end with the field decimated behind him.

A Moments MadnessGreat NotionsJava PointFan De Blues

Race position map

LeadProminentMidfieldHold up

Watch points

KEY

A Moments Madness must be monitored early - if he goes too slow the prominent pack will swamp him before halfway

WATCH

Traffic problems will develop from 3 out as 10+ prominent runners converge - watch for interference and fallers

WATCH

Thunder Rock and other hold-up horses positioned at the back - track their moves from 2 out as the race develops

NOTE

Barton Snow's jumping and positioning crucial given his hold-up style in such a large field

NOTE

First-time headgear on Java Point, Music Drive, Empire De Maulde and Fan De Blues could spark improvement

4:05 — William Hill Aintree Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

2m4f · Soft · G1 · 7 runners

El Fabiolo to leadHISTORIC

How it ran

Potters Charm led; the map had El Fabiolo in front.

Brighterdaysahead won at 2.62 — raced prominently, as the map had it. One of the race scenarios named it.

2 of 6 runners raced in the group the map gave them

Race shape

Lead · 1

El Fabiolo

Prominent · 3

The New LionBrighterdaysaheadAlexei

Midfield · 3

Potters CharmLucky PlaceGolden Ace

Hold Up · 0

None

El Fabiolo will lead from the start with no other natural front runners in this field. The New Lion, Lucky Place, Alexei, Golden Ace, Brighterdaysahead and Potters Charm will all settle in behind, creating a bunched pack stalking the leader. With El Fabiolo able to dictate uncontested fractions over 2m4f, this sets up perfectly for prominent racers who can track the pace and have enough left to mount a challenge. The lack of pace pressure and small field size strongly favours horses who can travel well in behind and finish - the prominent runners hold all the tactical cards here.

Runner profiles

Race scenarios

Sustained Gallop Suits

45% probability

If El Fabiolo maintains steady fractions without getting headed early

The pace will be honest but not punishing, allowing the classier prominent racers to travel smoothly and time their challenges perfectly. This plays directly into the hands of horses like The New Lion and Brighterdaysahead who thrive when able to pick off a lone leader.

The New LionBrighterdaysaheadAlexeiGolden Ace

Leader Kicks Clear

25% probability

If El Fabiolo finds another gear turning for home and opens up a decisive advantage

The front runner's superior stamina and fitness from recent racing could prove decisive if he can stretch the field. With only seven runners and good ground conditions, a bold front-running performance becomes very dangerous to peg back.

El FabioloPotters CharmThe New LionLucky Place

Late Surge Prevails

20% probability

If the pace becomes very sedate and turns into a sprint finish

A slowly-run race would favour the horse with the most natural speed and class, allowing superior ability to shine through. Golden Ace and Brighterdaysahead have shown they can quicken sharply when the tempo lifts late.

BrighterdaysaheadGolden AceAlexeiThe New Lion

Tactical Battle Chaos

10% probability

If multiple horses try to improve position simultaneously approaching the final flight

With so many prominent racers bunched together, interference or a false pace could create a messy finish. This type of scramble often suits the most experienced campaigner who can find gaps.

Potters CharmLucky PlaceGolden AceEl Fabiolo

Race position map

LeadProminentMidfieldHold up

Watch points

KEY

El Fabiolo could steal this if allowed uncontested lead and his jumping holds up under pressure

WATCH

Watch for traffic problems in small field if multiple horses improve position simultaneously at final flight

NOTE

Golden Ace needs to prove Champion Hurdle win wasn't just fortune after being exposed since

WATCH

Lucky Place must bounce back immediately from poor Cheltenham run or confidence could be shot

NOTE

Potters Charm's freshness advantage versus 46-day layoff will be telling in final furlong

4:40 — Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

2m · Soft · HCAP · 15 runners

Sans Bruit to leadHISTORIC

How it ran

Sans Bruit led, as the map showed.

Ryan's Rocket won at 15.00 — raced prominently, where the map had it raced midfield.

4 of 15 runners raced in the group the map gave them

Race shape

Lead · 1

Sans Bruit

Prominent · 5

InthepocketJasko Des DamesWonlegGrain d'OudairiesJavert Allen

Midfield · 5

Highlands LegacyRyan's RocketPetit TonnerrePalamonDr T J Eckleburg

Hold Up · 4

Hercule Du SeuilBrookieBoothillStencil

Sans Bruit will lead from the start with his confirmed front-running style, but as the sole pace-setter he'll face no pressure and can dictate a sustainable gallop. The prominent runners like Inthepocket, Javert Allen, and Grain d'Oudairies will track just behind, while the large contingent of hold-up horses including Hercule Du Seuil, Boothill, Stencil, and Highlands Legacy will be anchored towards the rear. With only one leader setting an uncontested pace over this sharp 2m trip, the race will develop into a sprint finish where horses need to be handy turning in. This race shape strongly favours prominent runners and front-runners who can stay close to the pace without having to make up significant ground late.

Runner profiles

Race scenarios

Uncontested Leader Dominates

45% probability

If Sans Bruit gets his own way out front and maintains his April record

The confirmed front-runner faces no pace pressure and can time his effort perfectly, exploiting his proven course-and-distance form in this exact race. His two previous wins in this contest show he has the tactical speed to respond when challenged up the run-in.

Sans BruitGrain d'OudairiesInthepocketJavert Allen

Prominent Tracker Strikes

30% probability

If the pace becomes truly dawdling and prominent horses can stalk perfectly

Inthepocket or Javert Allen can position ideally behind the uncontested leader and have first run when the pace lifts. Their prominent style allows them to avoid the traffic problems that will affect the hold-up brigade when the sprint develops.

InthepocketJavert AllenSans BruitGrain d'Oudairies

Hold-Up Horse Powers Through

15% probability

If Sans Bruit sets a genuinely strong pace despite lack of pressure

The early gallop becomes searching enough to set up a late charge from the back, with Hercule Du Seuil or Boothill having the class to reel in tiring leaders. However, they need significant pace collapse to be effective over this sharp track.

Hercule Du SeuilBoothillStencilHighlands Legacy

Surprise Improver Emerges

10% probability

If the race becomes a tactical crawl followed by a blanket finish

Palamon's recent Bangor win on good ground with the tongue-tie reapplied suggests Dan Skelton has found the key, allowing him to outpace higher-rated rivals. The light weight and in-form connections provide the edge in a tight finish.

PalamonHighlands LegacyStencilRyan's Rocket

Race position map

LeadProminentMidfieldHold up

Watch points

KEY

Sans Bruit's jumping - any mistake from the lone leader will completely change the race dynamic and hand advantage to prominent trackers

WATCH

Early pace judgment - if Sans Bruit goes too slowly it negates the distance concerns for hold-up horses like Hercule Du Seuil

WATCH

Inthepocket's position turning in - needs to be handy to use his tactical speed but has shown tendency to get outpaced in competitive handicaps

NOTE

Prominent runners bunching behind Sans Bruit - traffic problems likely if Javert Allen, Grain d'Oudairies and Inthepocket all converge

NOTE

Hold-up horses getting into contention - Boothill and Hercule Du Seuil need to be closer than usual given the likely uncontested pace

5:15 — Goffs Nickel Coin Mares' Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (Grade 2) (GBB Race)

2m1f · Soft · G2 · 20 runners

5 vying for the leadHISTORIC

How it ran

Burds Of A Feather led, as the map showed.

Nan's Choice won at 5.50 — was held up, where the map had it raced prominently.

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

Race shape

Lead · 5

KiltyboBurds Of A FeatherPrincess DayTiktok CaseyEmerald Quest

Prominent · 3

Nan's ChoiceMidnight MusicalBrave Lady

Midfield · 6

Divine DivaRoxy RussetOne DimensionalIt Would Be YouMartini MajestyBilley Shiftit

Hold Up · 6

Ti'mamzelSeven StarsLennon GroveLadies DayPeace BelleFairy Park

Kiltybo, Princess Day, Burds Of A Feather, Emerald Quest and Tiktok Casey will ensure a relentless gallop from the outset in this 20-runner Grade 2. With five confirmed front-runners all wanting to make the running, the pace will be genuinely strong throughout the 2m1f trip on testing ground. The stamina-sapping combination of soft turf and fierce early tempo will stretch the field dramatically. This race shape heavily favours proven stayers with hold-up tactics who can capitalize on the inevitable pace collapse in the final half-mile.

Runner profiles

Race scenarios

Pace Collapse Rewards Closers

55% probability

If the five front-runners engage in a fierce early battle through testing ground

The leaders will fold dramatically in the final 3f, allowing patient hold-up horses with proven stamina to sweep past exhausted pace-setters. Ti'mamzel and Seven Stars possess the class and tactical speed to capitalize when the gallop falls apart.

Ti'mamzelSeven StarsDivine DivaLennon Grove

Tactical Leader Survives

25% probability

If Princess Day or Kiltybo can dictate without getting into an early speed duel

One class act will use superior tactical awareness to avoid the early burn-up, maintaining enough energy to resist late challengers. Their unbeaten records suggest tactical maturity beyond their years.

Princess DayKiltyboNan's ChoiceFairy Park

Stamina Test Suits Mudlarks

12% probability

If the soft ground deteriorates further and becomes energy-sapping

The combination of testing conditions and strong pace will favor horses with proven soft-ground form who can grind out victories. Tiktok Casey's heavy ground win and Ti'mamzel's perfect soft record become decisive factors.

Tiktok CaseyTi'mamzelLadies DayLennon Grove

Surprise From Mid-Division

8% probability

If the pace is even more suicidal than expected with all leaders stopping

A mid-division runner with tactical pace will find clear daylight as the field concertinas dramatically in the straight. Brave Lady returning from a break could benefit from the carnage ahead.

Brave LadyPeace BelleIt Would Be YouOne Dimensional

Race position map

LeadProminentMidfieldHold up

Watch points

KEY

Kiltybo and Princess Day could engage in a suicidal speed battle from the start that destroys both unbeaten records

WATCH

Burds Of A Feather going freely to post at Warwick suggests she may race too keenly again in this strong pace scenario

WATCH

Ti'mamzel has never raced beyond 2m1f so stamina for this trip after a fierce gallop remains unproven despite breeding

NOTE

Divine Diva returning after 145 days needs to show early pace positioning from the Skelton stable to suggest full fitness

NOTE

Midnight Musical wearing cheekpieces for the first time signals connections expect significant improvement from this maiden

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 9 April 2026.

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