Aintree Race 1 - William Hill Epic Boosts Ebf 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle (Gbb Race)
STICK TO THE BOARD (4) Ran 2nd last run in a hurdle at Chepstow. Will be pushing for a forward position early. Paul Nicholls yard are in good form of late. Strong performance expected. BLACK EDDY (1) Blitzed its rivals when winning by nearly 45L last run in a hurdle at Worcester. Respect in this company. BARON DU BRIZAIS (2) First up from a break of 32 weeks. Finished 2nd last time at Uttoxeter and having second career run. Won't be far away during the run. Place chance. OLD COAST ROAD (3) Finished 2nd last run at Chepstow and having second race start. Harry Skelton rates highly. Could place.

Jockey: Harry Cobden
Weight: 72.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Pulled away to win by close to 45L last run in a hurdle at Worcester. Harry Cobden is a crucial engagement. Will be trying to topple them late. Attracts support.
Last Starts 42 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/9 | 25/09/2026 | - | 4 | $9,837.00 | Worcester | 4023m | GOOD | James Bowen | 72kg | - | - | 0 |
| 44.81L | $3.25 |
| 5/6 | 05/04/2026 | - | GBB Race | $6,886.00 | Market Rasen | 3332m | GD(GD/SF PL) | James Bowen | 74kg | - | 5-5-5-5-5-5-5 | 0 |
| 112.75L | $2.62 |
| 15/15 | 19/12/2025 | - | Listed | $24,592.00 | Ascot | 3161m | SOFT | James Bowen | 71kg | - | 4-4-5-12-15-15-15 | 0 |
| 130.15L | $10.00 |
| 1/8 | 12/10/2025 | - | GBB Race | $16,232.00 | Chepstow | 3228m | GOOD | Tom Cannon | 70.5kg | - | 5-5-5-2-1-1-1 | 0 |
| 2.25L | $8.50 |

Jockey: Ben Jones
Weight: 70kgs
Stats
Comments
Racing fresh today after a 32 week spell. Ran well when 2nd last time at Uttoxeter and was on debut last time. Should muster plenty of early toe. Looks too tough.
Last Starts 223 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/7 | 28/03/2026 | - | GBB Race | $4,427.00 | Uttoxeter | 3171m | GOOD | Ben Jones | 71kg | - | 2-2-2-1-1-3-2 | 0 |
| 2.5L | $2.10 |

Jockey: Harry Skelton
Weight: 70kgs
Stats
Comments
Honest race when 2nd last run at Chepstow and fitter for debut run. Jockey Harry Skelton rates highly aboard. Unfortunately, it seems unlikely.
Last Starts 26 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/6 | 11/10/2026 | - | 4 | $7,083.00 | Chepstow | 3233m | GOOD TO SOFT | Harry Skelton | 70kg | - | - | 0 |
| 1.37L | $2.25 |

Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies
Weight: 70kgs
Stats
Comments
Competitive effort when 2nd last run in a hurdle at Chepstow. Expecting to settle positively. Paul Nicholls yard are on a hot streak. Strong claims.
Last Starts 27 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/13 | 10/10/2026 | - | 4 | $9,837.00 | Chepstow | 3913m | GOOD TO SOFT | Sam Twiston Davies | 72kg | - | - | 0 |
| 0.91L | $1.80 |
| 1/10 | 26/03/2026 | - | GBB Race | $4,427.00 | Chepstow | 3233m | GOOD | Harry Cobden | 71kg | - | 2-3-2-2-1-1-1 | 0 |
| 2.25L | $2.00 |