Aintree Betting Odds
Aintree
Aintree
Apprentice Handicap | Hurdle | 2m 103y
Going: Good to Soft (Good in places)
Harry Lowes
Dan Skelton won this last year and may hold the key again, with HARRY LOWES getting the verdict. The selection wasn't seen to anywhere near best effect on his previous start in a handicap and remains unexposed stepping back into this company. Stablemate The Mighty Celt is also shortlisted on the back of his eye-catching Fred Winter effort, alongside strong-travelling hold-up horse Star of Guiting.
- Win or E/W
- Forecast
- Tricast
- Insure 4 places
- Place only
E/W Terms: 1/4 odds first 4
- 12Harry LowesJ: Tristan DurrellT: Dan Skelton1351Age 54/14/19/2
- OR: 124
- EQ: -
- Days Since Last Run: 44
Irish point scorer who was impressive when making a winning hurdles debut at Exeter (16.7f) in November. Badly hampered at a crucial time on handicap debut at Windsor in January but resumed winning ways in novice company at Bangor the following month. Still looks on good mark back handicapping.DateCourseDistGoingTypePosBangor-on-dee2m 145ySoftHurdle1/5Windsor2m 4fSoftHurdle5/9Market Rasen2m 4f 139yGood to SoftHurdle3/5Exeter2m 161yGood to Soft (Good in places)Hurdle1/12- 11SherminatorJ: Mr P. W. MullinsT: Harry Fry211-F11Age 511/211/26/1
- OR: 125
- EQ: Tongue strap
- Days Since Last Run: 35
Made a successful start over hurdles in a junior event for Emma Lavelle last season. Followed up on stable debut and took a Ludlow novice in February before maintaining his unbeaten record when completing in a 10-runner handicap at Exeter (16.7f, soft) last month. Should have more to offer.DateCourseDistGoingTypePosExeter2m 161yGood to SoftHurdle1/10Ludlow1m 7f 169ySoftHurdle1/11Cheltenham2m 179yGood to SoftHurdleF/10Taunton2m 104yGood (Good to Soft in places)Hurdle1/9Newbury2m 69ySoft (Heavy in places)Hurdle1/7- 16The Mighty CeltJ: Miss Heidi PalinT: Dan Skelton-322836Age 49/115/28/1
- OR: 131
- EQ: Hood and tongue strap
- Days Since Last Run: 31
Fairly useful in France for Noel George & Amanda Zetterholm and has shaped encouragingly on both starts since joining Dan Skelton, finishing with running left from some way back when sixth in the Fred Winter at Cheltenham last month. Shortlisted.DateCourseDistGoingTypePosCheltenham2m 87yGood to SoftHurdle6/22Haydock Park1m 7f 144ySoftHurdle3/7Auteuil2m 1f 197ySoftHurdle8/11Auteuil2m 1f 197yVery softHurdle2/9Auteuil2m 1f 197yVery softHurdle2/7- 3Wreckless EricJ: Benjamin MaceyT: Jonjo & A.J. O'Neill20-7962Age 69/111/110/1
- OR: 129
- EQ: Cheekpieces
- Days Since Last Run: 34
Won strong novice handicap at Cheltenham last season and ran another cracker when narrowly denied in the Imperial Cup later in campaign. Low-key start to this season but was right back to form when runner-up in the Imperial Cup for second year running last month and he's a player again here.DateCourseDistGoingTypePosSandown Park1m 7f 216ySoft (Heavy in places)Hurdle2/18Newbury2m 69yHeavy (Soft in places)Hurdle6/15Kempton Park2m 5fGood (Good to Soft in places)Hurdle9/15Ascot1m 7f 157yGood to Soft (Soft in places)Hurdle7/13Aintree2m 4fGood to Soft (Good in places)Hurdle12/20- 20Pourquoi Pas PapaJ: Miss Olive NichollsT: Paul Nicholls222124Age 410/110/111/1
- OR: 129
- EQ: -
- Days Since Last Run: 31
Runner-up on his first 3 starts over hurdles before getting off the mark at Wincanton in January. Good efforts in defeat both starts since, fourth in the Fred Winter at Cheltenham on latest and he's respected again.DateCourseDistGoingTypePosCheltenham2m 87yGood to SoftHurdle4/22Haydock Park1m 7f 144ySoftHurdle2/7Wincanton1m 7f 50yHeavyHurdle1/17Exeter2m 161yGood to Soft (Soft in places)Hurdle2/14Sandown Park1m 7f 216ySoft (Heavy in places)Hurdle2/8- 5Rubber BallJ: Miss Gina AndrewsT: Neil King-047P18Age 610/112/111/1
- OR: 128
- EQ: -
- Days Since Last Run: 34
Wasn't quite at his best this season until benefiting from a drop back to 2m when winning in good style at Newbury in February. Possibly still feeling the effects of that when mid-field in the Imperial Cup only a week later and he's still lightly raced enough to think there could be more to come.DateCourseDistGoingTypePosSandown Park1m 7f 216ySoft (Heavy in places)Hurdle8/18Newbury2m 69yGood to SoftHurdle1/7Wincanton3m 150yHeavy (Soft in places)Hurdlepu/10Aintree2m 4fGood to SoftHurdle7/8Aintree2m 4fSoftHurdle4/9- 14Wandering EgoJ: Lewis SaundersT: Olly Murphy-614321Age 612/110/111/1
- OR: 124
- EQ: -
- Days Since Last Run: 23
Bumper winner who struck at the second time of asking over hurdles in 2m Stratford novice (good to soft) at the end of October. Made the most of good opportunity when doubling tally in similar race at Huntingdon last month and opening mark looks fair.DateCourseDistGoingTypePosHuntingdon1m 7f 171yGoodHurdle1/12Taunton2m 3f 1yHeavy (Soft in places)Hurdle2/7Kempton Park2mGoodHurdle3/6Kempton Park2mGood (Good to Soft in places)Hurdle4/6Stratford-on-avon2m 70yGood to Soft (Soft in places)Hurdle1/14- 13MelonJ: Toby McCain-MitchellT: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero614-382Age 516/116/114/1
- OR: 124
- EQ: -
- Days Since Last Run: 41
Flat winner who took well to hurdling last winter, winning juveniles at Doncaster/Wetherby. Made an encouraging return when third in handicap at Cheltenham and soon back on track when second at Rubber Ball at Newbury last month. Smooth-travelling style should suit this big-field environment.DateCourseDistGoingTypePosNewbury2m 69yGood to SoftHurdle2/7Windsor2mSoft (Heavy in places)Hurdle8/14Cheltenham2m 179yGood to SoftHurdle3/11Sandown Park1m 7f 216yGood to Soft (Good in places)Hurdle4/7Wetherby2mSoft (Good to Soft in places)Hurdle1/8- 9StaticJ: Charlie MaggsT: Donald McCain-F33911Age 518/122/120/1
- OR: 125
- EQ: Hood
- Days Since Last Run: 20
Capitalised on falling mark under more positive ride at Haydock last month and followed up with front-running tactics retained at Bangor (19.6f) 2 weeks later. Showed good attitude there but now has career-high mark to contend with.DateCourseDistGoingTypePosBangor-on-dee2m 3f 123yGood (Good to Soft in places)Hurdle1/7Haydock Park2m 2f 191yGood to Soft (Good in places)Hurdle1/13Musselburgh1m 7f 124yGood to Soft (Soft in places)Hurdle9/10Kelso2m 51ySoftHurdle3/6Huntingdon1m 7f 171yGood to Soft (Soft in places)Hurdle3/8- 15HamsiyannJ: C. Stone-WalshT: A. J. Martin, Ireland90-0U24Age 620/120/118/1
- OR: 123
- EQ: Tongue strap
- Days Since Last Run: 105
Back to his best when second of 6 in 2½m Newcastle handicap in November and shaped as if still in good form from career-high mark when fourth at Kempton (21f) on Boxing Day. Drop back to 2m is interesting given enthusiastic run style.DateCourseDistGoingTypePosKempton Park2m 5fGood (Good to Soft in places)Hurdle4/10Newcastle2m 4f 62yGood to Soft (Soft in places)Hurdle2/6Cheltenham2m 5fSoft (Heavy in places)Hurdleur/10Galway1m 3f 180yHeavyFlat15/16Listowel1m 6fGood to YieldingFlat8/11- 4Last KingdomJ: Rian CorcoranT: Faye Bramley7148PP7Age 520/125/122/1
- OR: 129
- EQ: Tongue strap
- Days Since Last Run: 18
Cheekpieces on when useful winner of listed handicap hurdle for Willie Mullins in September but has made a discouraging start across 3 outings for new yard. Tongue strap now applied.DateCourseDistGoingTypePosWincanton2m 3f 179yGoodHurdle7/8Newbury2m 69yGood to SoftHurdlepu/7Warwick2m 5f 5yHeavy (Soft in places)Hurdlepu/8Leopardstown2m 4f 103yGood to YieldingHurdle8/16Fairyhouse2mYielding to Soft (Soft in places)Hurdle4/10- 2Captain Ryan MattJ: Mr J. L. GleesonT: Henry de Bromhead, Ireland2-15631Age 622/118/120/1
- OR: 132
- EQ: -
- Days Since Last Run: 99
Well backed/much improved when notching second success at Tramore on New Year's Day and while further progress isn't ruled out on just his fourth start in a handicap, this represents a marked step up in class from a mark now 16 lb higher.DateCourseDistGoingTypePosTramore2m 180ySoftHurdle1/10Punchestown2m 197ySoft to Heavy (Heavy in places)Hurdle3/9Punchestown2m 4f 45yGood to YieldingHurdle6/12Listowel2mYielding (Yielding to Soft in places)Hurdle5/5Tramore2m 80yGoodHurdle1/9- 7Litleangel DuseuilJ: Gregor WalkingshawT: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore1-21Age 522/122/120/1
- OR: 127
- EQ: Tongue strap
- Days Since Last Run: 34
Fair middle-distance Flat winner who made a successful start over hurdles in France and changed hands for €70,000 after next start. Made winning return from 9 months off (had breathing operation) in a 7-runner handicap at Ayr (2m, heavy) last month. Up 7 lb but remains unexposed.DateCourseDistGoingTypePosAyr2mSoftHurdle1/7Auteuil2m 1f 88yVery softHurdle2/11Fontainebleau2m 1f 142yVery softHurdle1/12Saint-cloud1m 2f 97ySoftFlat2/16Fontainebleau1m 4f 203yVery softFlat1/7- 6CharlusJ: Harry AtkinsT: Dan Skelton10-2FP0Age 522/116/118/1
- OR: 128
- EQ: Hood and tongue strap
- Days Since Last Run: 28
Fairly useful Flat/hurdles winner for Willie Mullins but soundly beaten in 2 handicaps since joining Dan Skelton having failed to settle on both occasions. Drop back to 2m could help in that regard.DateCourseDistGoingTypePosCheltenham2m 4f 56yGood to Soft (Soft in places)Hurdle22/24Kempton Park2m 5fGood to Soft (Soft in places)Hurdlepu/9Clonmel2m 202yHeavy (Soft to Heavy in places)HurdleF/5Punchestown2m 12ySoft to HeavyHurdle2/8Leopardstown1m 5fGood to YieldingFlat14/17- 19Star Of GuitingJ: William MaggsT: Ewan Whillans3U211P5Age 528/128/125/1
- OR: 121
- EQ: -
- Days Since Last Run: 21
His strong-travelling style has proved well suited to Musselburgh this winter, winning a pair of 2m handicaps (including Scottish County). Shaped like the best horse at the weights when fifth there 3 weeks ago, paying the price late after rapid move to lead from rear. Strong pace here will suit.DateCourseDistGoingTypePosMusselburgh2m 1f 87yGood to SoftHurdle5/14Sandown Park1m 7f 216ySoft (Heavy in places)Hurdlepu/18Musselburgh1m 7f 124yGood to Soft (Soft in places)Hurdle1/10Musselburgh1m 7f 124yGood to Soft (Good in places)Hurdle1/9Musselburgh1m 7f 124yGood to SoftHurdle2/9- 21No Ordinary JoeJ: Isabelle RyderT: Faye BramleyP090507Age 1028/122/125/1
- OR: 120
- EQ: Visor and tongue strap
- Days Since Last Run: 14
Useful on his day for Nicky Henderson, though is winless since 2022 and record for current yard has been patchy. Step back in right direction when seventh of 16 in handicap hurdle at Wetherby (21f) 2 weeks ago at least, and visor now goes on.DateCourseDistGoingTypePosWetherby2m 5f 56yGoodHurdle7/16Sandown Park1m 7f 216ySoft (Heavy in places)Hurdle13/18Ascot2m 3f 63yGood to Soft (Soft in places)Hurdle5/15Windsor2mSoft (Heavy in places)Hurdle12/14Haydock Park1m 7f 144yGood to Soft (Soft in places)Hurdle9/9- 17Mr McloughlanJ: Callum PritchardT: Jack Jones1181736Age 628/122/125/1
- OR: 122
- EQ: -
- Days Since Last Run: 6
Three hurdle wins this season and went down only to 2 improvers in a 2m Stratford handicap (good to soft) last month. Shaped as if still in form from a poor position when sixth at Haydock at the weekend but career best is likely needed to take something this competitive.DateCourseDistGoingTypePosHaydock Park1m 7f 144yGood (Good to Soft in places)Hurdle6/11Stratford-on-avon2m 70ySoft (Good to Soft in places)Hurdle3/11Southwell1m 4f 14yStandardFlat4/13Musselburgh1m 7f 124yGood to Soft (Good in places)Hurdle7/9Huntingdon1m 7f 171yGood to Soft (Soft in places)Hurdle1/8- 22AfadilJ: Jay TidballT: Paul Nicholls-734257Age 728/128/125/1
- OR: 120
- EQ: Cheekpieces
- Days Since Last Run: 12
Added to his good record in the Scottish County Hurdle when a good second to Star of Guiting in this season's renewal and backed that up with a creditable fifth in the Imperial Cup. Underperformed upped in trip at Ascot 12 days ago, though.DateCourseDistGoingTypePosAscot2m 5f 146yGood (Good to Firm in places)Hurdle7/9Sandown Park1m 7f 216ySoft (Heavy in places)Hurdle5/18Musselburgh1m 7f 124yGood to Soft (Soft in places)Hurdle2/10Musselburgh1m 7f 124yGood to Soft (Good in places)Hurdle4/9Sandown Park1m 7f 216ySoft (Heavy in places)Hurdle3/8- 18GooloogongJ: Dylan JohnstonT: George Baker8/31-10Age 628/122/125/1
- OR: 122
- EQ: -
- Days Since Last Run: 34
Fairly useful Flat performer at best. Opened his account in this sphere when winning Fontwell novice (17.7f, good) in November 2024 before following up on his first start over hurdles since at Kempton this February. Struggled in the Imperial Cup though and might be flying too high again here.DateCourseDistGoingTypePosSandown Park1m 7f 216ySoft (Heavy in places)Hurdle11/18Kempton Park2mGood to Soft (Soft in places)Hurdle1/10Kempton Park1m 7f 218yStandard / SlowFlat3/11Kempton Park1m 7f 218yStandard / SlowFlat1/8Goodwood1m 6fGoodFlat7/10- 1LaafiJ: Patrick Michael O'BrienT: William Durkan, Ireland13-055Age 628/122/125/1
- OR: 135
- EQ: -
- Days Since Last Run: 41
Useful on the Flat for William Haggas and quickly translated that ability to hurdles last winter. Perhaps overdid things in front when fifth in the Morebattle at Kelso last time but there was lots to like about the manner with which he jumped/travelled. Will face competition for the lead again.DateCourseDistGoingTypePosKelso2m 51yGood to SoftHurdle5/17Leopardstown2mYielding (Good to Yielding in places)Hurdle5/17Cheltenham2m 87ySoftHurdle12/18Naas1m 7f 190ySoft to HeavyHurdle3/3Limerick2mYielding to Soft (Soft in places)Hurdle1/18- 10EhteyatJ: C. M. HoganT: M. K. Flannery, IrelandP323Age 740/128/133/1
- OR: 125
- EQ: -
- Days Since Last Run: 24
Fairly useful Flat stayer has matched that level when placed in maiden hurdles 3 times across the winter. Makes handicap debut in competitive race and suspicion remains he'll prove more effective over further.DateCourseDistGoingTypePosDown Royal2m 1f 105yYielding (Good to Yielding in places)Hurdle3/19Leopardstown2mSoft to HeavyHurdle2/16Dundalk2mStandardFlat6/10Thurles1m 7f 179yHeavy (Soft to Heavy in places)Hurdle3/18Tramore2m 180ySoftHurdlepu/13- 8Wild Bill HickokJ: Eoghan FineganT: Ciaran Murphy, Ireland41-777PAge 466/166/180/1
- OR: 135
- EQ: Hood
- Days Since Last Run: 167
Dual winner in France last season for the George & Zetterholm team but no impact in 3 starts for that yard in the autumn. Bit to prove starting out for new yard having changed hands for €52,000.DateCourseDistGoingTypePosCompiegne2m 198ySoftHurdlepu/7Auteuil2m 1f 197yVery softHurdle7/9Auteuil2m 1f 197yVery softHurdle7/7Auteuil2m 1f 88yVery softHurdle7/8Auteuil1m 6f 201ySoftHurdle1/8