12:45 Aintree

Saturday 11 April 2026

All12:4513:2013:5514:3015:0516:0017:00

Hallgarten & Novum Wines Maghull Novices' Chase (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

Off time: 12:45 | Winning time: 3m 54.16s

Alnilam^h⁸⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 11-7| J: S Bowen| T: O Murphy| OR: 141| DWS

22/1

Useful hurdler who has bettered that form over fences, following up Uttoxeter chase debut success with a convincing victory at Cheltenham. Came in a remote last of 3 in Grade 2 at Windsor when last seen in January and needs a subsequent breathing operation to spark a resurgence. Hood refitted.

Form: 5-11P43

Image of Stars that are filled with the colour gold

Be Aware^h,t1³¹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-7| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 147| BF| D

10/1

Has become a free-going front runner, winning Stratford handicap on return and even better form when runner-up in small-field graded novices next 3 starts. Proved too keen when in mid-field in Grand Annual at Cheltenham and could bounce back in new hood/tongue tie combination.

Form: 8-12220

King Of Kingsfield^p1,t¹³⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 11-7| J: Danny Gilligan| T: G Elliott| OR: 144| D

40/1

Useful hurdler and similar form over fences, gaining a third win in Punchestown Grade 3 in October. However, he's been off since coming in last of 6 in Grade 3 at Newbury following month. Cheekpieces fitted after a break.

Form: 1131P6

Mighty Bandit⁴²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: James Bowen| T: W Greatrex| OR: 152| D

11/1

A fairly useful hurdles winner for Gordon Elliott who has made an excellent start over fences for his current yard, easily completing a hat-trick of 2m handicap wins at Doncaster in February. This is much tougher but he shouldn't be underestimated.

Form: 0/P-2111

Mirabad^t⁴⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 11-7| J: Tristan Durrell| T: D Skelton| OR: 138| BF| D

50/1

Fairly useful winning hurdler who has advanced his form over fences for current yard, making a winning chase debut at Exeter in December and runner-up in Warwick Grade 2 in February. Off since coming in a remote odds-on second of 3 in Bangor novice 45 days ago though.

Form: 813U22

No Questions Asked^p1³²

Age: 8| Weight: 11-7| J: Ben Jones| T: B Pauling| OR: 149| D

22/1

Has developed into a smart chaser this season, scoring at Ascot in November and Windsor in January. Well held in the Plate at Cheltenham last time however so needs to bounce back in first-time cheekpieces.

Form: 0-12310

Salvator Mundi^t⁶⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: Paul Townend| T: W P Mullins| OR: 152| CD

8/11

Won the Grade 1 Top Novices' Hurdle here 12 months ago. Has quickly matched that level of form sent chasing this season, very easily making all at Thurles in February. Kept fresh for this and looks the one to beat.

Form: 512-261

Kala Conti⁷⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: Jack Kennedy| T: G Elliott| OR: 148| D

11/4

Very useful over hurdles and she won her first 2 starts over fences at Cork before Christmas, latterly a Grade 3. Not disgraced when 5 lengths second of 4 to Sixmilebridge in Scilly Isles at Sandown only run since. Solid form claims.

Form: 270-112

Forecasts

Salvator Mundi (8/11), Kala Conti (11/4), Be Aware (10/1), Mighty Bandit (11/1), No Questions Asked (22/1), Alnilam (22/1), King Of Kingsfield (40/1), Mirabad (50/1)

SALVATOR MUNDI enjoyed his finest hour as a hurdler when landing a Grade 1 at this meeting a year ago and can repeat the feat over fences after bypassing the Cheltenham Festival following his wide-margin Thurles success. Mighty Bandit continues to thrive for Warren Greatrex and isn't easily dismissed in his bid for a 4-timer. Kala Conti and Be Aware can fight it out for the minor honours.