13:40 Aintree

Friday 26 December 2025

All12:0012:3013:0513:4014:1514:5015:25

William Hill Daily Bet Boosts Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 13:41 | Winning time: 4m 58.67s

Brewin'upastorm^t²⁰

Age: 12| Weight: 12-0| J: Kielan Woods| T: O Murphy| OR: 143| CD

25/1

Smart and likeable veteran who proved as good as ever when landing a Fairyhouse Grade 2 in spring of 2024. However, seen in action only twice since, off 20 months prior to finishing 12½ lengths fifth of 9 to Bear Market in a C&D handicap 3 weeks ago. This promises to reveal more.

Form: 23218/5

Supremely West²⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-8| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 137| D

11/1

Useful for Dr Richard Newland & Jamie Insole, winning 3m Haydock handicap in the mud last December. Encouraging reappearance third for Dan Skelton at Cheltenham in October but not in the same form either outing since. Passed over at present.

Form: 163-354

Indeevar Bleu²⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: Jack Tudor| T: O Murphy| OR: 129

9/2

Low-mileage 7-y-o who was quickly back on track and looked potentially useful when resuming winning ways on handicap debut at Ffos Las (15.8f) in April. Solid reappearance second at Newbury (16.3f) 4 weeks ago and the way he shaped suggests this increase in trip will suit. Interesting.

Form: 14/131-2

Serious Operator^t²⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 10-12| J: P W Wadge| T: L Russell & M Scudamore| OR: 127| D

16/1

Gradually worked his way back to form this autumn and he duly capitalised on a sliding mark in 6-runner handicap hurdle at Newcastle (20.3f) in November, looking about as good as ever in the process. 4 lb rise should see him competitive again.

Form: 0/06-431

Dedicated Hero⁴⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 10-12| J: Jonjo O'Neill Jr.| T: A M Thomson| OR: 127

10/3

Progressed over hurdles last season, winning Grade 2 Rossington Main at Haydock. Given a considerate return when finishing midfield at Carlisle (20f) and drop back to 2m didn't look in his favour when seventh in last month's Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham. This more suitable.

Form: 3115-67

Florida Dreams^p³⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 10-11| J: B S Hughes| T: N G Richards| OR: 126| C

5/1

Is a while without a win but started this campaign in good form, just touched off on chase debut at Hexham (20f) in October. Similar story returned to hurdles at Carlisle (20f) next time and shaped as if still in good order when third at Haydock last time. One to bear in mind.

Form: 524-223

Rubber Ball²⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 10-10| J: J M Quinlan| T: N B King| OR: 125

6/1

Irish point winner who showed fairly useful form last term, landing brace of maiden/novice hurdles. Overfaced in Grade 1 here final outing but he did at least fare better than on reappearance when 11 lengths fourth of 9 to Bear Market over C&D 3 weeks back. Mark probably about right, however.

Form: 3119-04

Bear Market^t²⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 10-8| J: Toby Wynne| T: Mrs M Rowley| OR: 123| CD

3/1

Unbeaten in bumpers and going the right way over hurdles fitted with a tongue tie, bagging 17f novice here on final start for Nicky Henderson in May. Improved further to land handicaps at Southwell/over C&D in recent months and this likeable sort ought to make his presence felt again.

Form: 1P4-111

Forecasts

Bear Market (3/1), Dedicated Hero (10/3), Indeevar Bleu (9/2), Florida Dreams (5/1), Rubber Ball (6/1), Supremely West (11/1), Serious Operator (16/1), Brewin'upastorm (25/1)

INDEEVAR BLEU shaped encouragingly following 8 months off when runner-up at Newbury 4 weeks ago and, with this increase in trip fancied to unlock further progress, Olly Murphy's low-mileage 7-y-o could well be the answer. The thriving Bear Market showed a good attitude when scoring over C&D 3 weeks ago and is feared. Florida Dreams and Serious Operator round off the shortlist.