Aintree Race 3 - Trustatrader Top Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1) (Gbb Race)
ROMEO COOLIO (5) represents the Gordon Elliott yard who has not been in the best form of late. Holds outstanding claims looking good winning the G1 Future Champions at Leopardstown in December. Sets the standard following his third place in the G1 Supreme Novices Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. TRIPOLI FLYER (9) won a G2 jumpers flat at this meeting last year. Respect following his smooth success in the G2 Dovecote at Kempton last month. SALVATOR MUNDI (8) might have more to offer. Looks interesting with the hood removed after his fifth-placed finish behind the main selection at Cheltenham in latest. Ben Pauling trains talented mare DIVA LUNA (10). Likely thereabouts following her solid third in the G2 Mares Novices Hurdle at Cheltenham.

Jockey: James Bowen
Weight: 73kgs
Stats
Comments
Racing second-up today. Freshened for 41 days. First-up after two months finished fourth of 7 starters at Kempton Park in the G2 Dovecote Novices' Hurdle on February 22 over 3200m, 24 len behind Tripoli Flyer with 72kg at $126. Previously second-up finished 12th of 14 starters at Ascot in the LR on December 20 over 3100m, 57 len behind Windbeneathmywings carrying 71kg at $8. Hard to have upped in class.
Last Starts 40 days since last start
Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4/7 | 22/02/2025 | 64 | G2 OPEN 4U | $138,380.00 | Kempton Park | 3218m | Good Soft | James Bowen | 72kg | 3:57.00 | - | 0 |
| 24.0L | $126.00 |
12/14 | 20/12/2024 | 28 | LR OPEN 45 | $45,370.00 | Ascot Uk | 3118m | Good Soft | Tom Cannon | 71kg | 3:39.43 | - | 0 |
| 57.8L | $8.00 |
2/6 | 22/11/2024 | 251 | HUNT FLAT 45 | $18,150.00 | Ascot Uk | 3118m | Good | Tom Cannon | 72.5kg | 3:47.89 | - | 0 |
| 0.1L | $2.63 |
1/15 | 16/03/2024 | - | WFA HUNT FLAT 4U | $9,230.00 | Kempton Park | 3218m | Good Soft | Tom Cannon | 70kg | 3:50.44 | - | 0 |
| 4.5L | $11.00 |

Jockey: P W Wadge
Weight: 73kgs
Stats
Comments
Racing well. Freshened for 34 days. Last start won by 2.5 len Kelso in a G2 Premier Kelso Novices' Hurdle on March 1 over 3600m defeating Chart Topper with 72kg at $17 in a jumps. Start to post a big 5.5 len win. Ayr on January 20 over 3200m slow going defeating Admiral Stewart carrying 71kg at $2.80 in a hurdle. Slight drop in trip can suit and not dismissed.
Last Starts 33 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 | 01/03/2025 | 40 | G2 OPEN 4U | $149,350.00 | Kelso | 3621m | Good Soft | Derek Fox | 72kg | 4:21.86 | - | 0 |
| 2.5L | $17.00 |
1/9 | 20/01/2025 | 42 | HDLE 4U | $13,880.00 | Ayr | 3218m | Soft | Craig Nichol | 71kg | 4:01.38 | - | 0 |
| 5.5L | $2.75 |
2/4 | 09/12/2024 | 28 | MHDLE HUNT 46 | $12,920.00 | Musselburgh | 3978m | Good Soft | Craig Nichol | 71.5kg | 5:01.73 | - | 0 |
| 0.5L | $1.80 |
2/8 | 11/11/2024 | 25 | MHDLE 4U | $11,990.00 | Carlisle | 3449m | Good | Craig Nichol | 71.5kg | 4:24.40 | - | 0 |
| 2.3L | $4.00 |
2/7 | 17/10/2024 | 158 | HUNT FLAT 45 | $7,260.00 | Carlisle | 3419m | Soft | Craig Nichol | 71kg | 4:38.10 | - | 0 |
| 1.3L | $12.00 |
1/14 | 12/05/2024 | - | P2P MDN G 5 | $0.00 | Bartlemy P2p | 4828m | Good | F Maguire | 61kg | - | - | 0 |
| 4.0L | $1.00 |

Jockey: B S Hughes
Weight: 73kgs
Stats
Comments
Having second run back today. Not raced for 46 days. Last start favourite; won by 8 len Carlisle on February 17 over 3400m defeating Kahavari carrying 70kg at $2 in a hurdle. At only start last preparation finished second of 11 runners at Bangor-On-Dee on November 13 over 3300m, 6 len behind Junker D'allier with 70kg at $15. Inform, but this a much tougher race than last outing. Difficult task upped considerably in class.
Last Starts 45 days since last start
Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1/8 | 17/02/2025 | 96 | HDLE 4U | $13,750.00 | Carlisle | 3419m | Good Soft | Brian Hughes | 70kg | 4:25.10 | - | 0 |
| 8.0L | $2.00 |
2/11 | 13/11/2024 | 185 | HDLE 4U | $16,340.00 | Bangor On Dee | 3319m | Good Soft | Brian Hughes | 70kg | 4:11.23 | - | 0 |
| 6.5L | $15.00 |
1/10 | 12/05/2024 | 28 | P2P MDN G 4 | $0.00 | Loughrea P2p | 4828m | Good | J J Berry | 57.5kg | - | - | 0 |
| 5.0L | $1.00 |
99/8 | 14/04/2024 | - | P2P MDN 4 | $0.00 | Castletown P2p | 4828m | Soft | J J Berry | 57.5kg | - | - | 0 |
| 99.0L | $1.00 |

Jockey: D E Mullins
Weight: 73kgs
Stats
Comments
Last start finished tenth of 11 starters at Cheltenham in the G1 Supreme Novices Hurdle on March 11 over 3300m, 57 len behind Kopek Des Bordes carrying 73kg at $41. Race before won by 16 len Punchestown on January 27 over 3200m in the wet defeating Captain Ryan Matt carrying 75.5kg at $1.50 in a hurdle. Needs to bounce back.
Last Starts 23 days since last start
Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
10/11 | 11/03/2025 | 43 | G1 OPEN 4U | $269,470.00 | Cheltenham | 3319m | Good Soft | Sean O'Keeffe | 73kg | 3:52.04 | - | 0 |
| 57.0L | $41.00 |
1/16 | 27/01/2025 | 42 | MHDLE 5U | $22,830.00 | Punchestown | 3218m | Heavy | P Townend | 75.5kg | 4:17.40 | - | 0 |
| 16.0L | $1.50 |
4/18 | 16/12/2024 | 232 | MHDLE 4 | $21,680.00 | Naas | 3922m | GY | P Townend | 73kg | 4:45.40 | - | 0 |
| 3.8L | $2.25 |
1/8 | 28/04/2024 | 28 | 45 | $17,380.00 | Montlucon-Neris | 3100m | Good Soft | Axelle Nicco | 63.5kg | 3:17.90 | - | 3 |
| 8.5L | $1.00 |
2/11 | 31/03/2024 | - | 4 | $19,130.00 | Lignieres | 2400m | SH | Augustin Madamet | 64kg | 2:57.00 | - | 5 |
| 0.2L | $5.50 |

Jockey: Sam Ewing
Weight: 73kgs
Stats
Comments
Second-up today. Fresh up after three months finished third of 11 runners at Cheltenham in the G1 Supreme Novices Hurdle on March 11 over 3300m, 7 len behind Kopek Des Bordes with 73kg at $5.50. Previously second-up finished second of 8 runners at Fairyhouse in the G2 Royal Bond Novice Hurdle on December 1 over 3300m, 2.5 len behind Tounsivator carrying 71.5kg at $1.50. Looks the one to beat.
Last Starts 23 days since last start
Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
3/11 | 11/03/2025 | 74 | G1 OPEN 4U | $269,470.00 | Cheltenham | 3319m | Good Soft | Jack Kennedy | 73kg | 3:52.04 | - | 0 |
| 7.3L | $5.50 |
1/7 | 27/12/2024 | 26 | G1 OPEN 4U | $183,590.00 | Leopardstown | 3218m | Y | Sam Ewing | 75.5kg | 3:50.90 | - | 0 |
| 9.0L | $2.75 |
2/8 | 01/12/2024 | 29 | G2 OPEN 4U | $147,420.00 | Fairyhouse | 3319m | Y | Sam Ewing | 71.5kg | 3:57.00 | - | 0 |
| 2.5L | $1.50 |
1/16 | 02/11/2024 | 185 | MHDLE 4U | $17,340.00 | Down Royal | 3419m | GY | Sam Ewing | 75.5kg | 4:11.40 | - | 0 |
| 18.0L | $1.15 |
5/12 | 01/05/2024 | 49 | G1 FLAT 47 | $173,430.00 | Punchestown | 3319m | Y | Harry Swan | 76kg | 4:00.30 | - | 0 |
| 17.8L | $6.00 |
2/19 | 13/03/2024 | 60 | G1 HUNT FLAT 46 | $145,200.00 | Cheltenham | 3319m | Soft | K M Donoghue | 73kg | 4:07.39 | - | 0 |
| 1.8L | $19.00 |
1/5 | 13/01/2024 | 307 | FLAT 5U | $17,160.00 | Fairyhouse | 3218m | Soft | Harry Swan | 74kg | 4:13.30 | - | 0 |
| 1.3L | $2.00 |
1/5 | 12/03/2023 | - | P2P MDN 4 | $0.00 | Belclare P2p | 4828m | Soft | B Lawless | 60kg | - | - | 0 |
| 5.0L | $1.00 |

Jockey: Harry Skelton
Weight: 73kgs
Stats
Comments
Resuming after three months. Finished off last preparation 4 of 7 runners at Haydock Park in the G2 Rossington Main Novices' Hurdle January 18 over 3140m, slow track; 9 len behind Dedicated Hero carrying 73kg at $1.30. Previous preparation first-up favourite; won by 1.3 len Chepstow November 6 over 3200m defeating Plantaroma with 71.5kg at $1.40. Not an obvious winner upped in class.
Last Starts 75 days since last start
Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4/7 | 18/01/2025 | 45 | G2 OPEN 4U | $138,380.00 | Haydock Park | 3149m | Soft | Harry Skelton | 73kg | 3:57.48 | - | 0 |
| 9.8L | $1.33 |
1/6 | 04/12/2024 | 28 | HDLE 4U | $54,450.00 | Haydock Park | 3118m | Soft | Harry Skelton | 73kg | 3:59.73 | - | 0 |
| 8.5L | $2.10 |
1/9 | 06/11/2024 | 238 | MHDLE HUNT 4U | $13,980.00 | Chepstow | 3218m | Good | Harry Skelton | 71.5kg | 5:10.00 | - | 0 |
| 1.3L | $1.44 |
8/19 | 13/03/2024 | 32 | G1 HUNT FLAT 46 | $145,200.00 | Cheltenham | 3319m | Soft | Harry Skelton | 73kg | 4:07.39 | - | 0 |
| 17.3L | $19.00 |
1/9 | 10/02/2024 | 31 | LR HUNT FLAT 46 | $45,370.00 | Newbury | 3319m | Heavy | Harry Skelton | 73kg | 4:01.30 | - | 0 |
| 2.0L | $5.50 |
1/18 | 10/01/2024 | 269 | HUNT FLAT MDN 46 | $8,170.00 | Doncaster | 3319m | Good Soft | Harry Skelton | 73.5kg | 4:11.09 | - | 0 |
| 2.3L | $15.00 |
1/5 | 16/04/2023 | 6 | P2P MDN | $0.00 | Edgcote P2p | 4225m | Good Soft | Z Baker | 71.5kg | 5:37.00 | - | 0 |
| 1.0L | $1.00 |
99/8 | 10/04/2023 | 57 | P2P MDN | $0.00 | Eyton-On-Severn P2p | 4023m | Good Soft | A Stevens | 71.5kg | 5:09.40 | - | 0 |
| 99.0L | $5.50 |
3/8 | 12/02/2023 | - | P2P MDN | $0.00 | Buckfastleigh P2p | 4023m | Good Soft | A Stevens | 70kg | 5:47.70 | - | 0 |
| 11.8L | $4.00 |

Jockey: J M Quinlan
Weight: 73kgs
Stats
Comments
Resumes off a 55 day letup. Last run won by 1.0 len Newbury on February 8 over 3300m on rain affected going defeating Tutti Quanti carrying 73.5kg at $4.50 in a hurdle. The run to post a big 11 len win. Uttoxeter on January 25 over 3170m defeating Ballyvango with 73.5kg at $1.50 in a hurdle. In form but this is much tougher.
Last Starts 54 days since last start
Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1/5 | 08/02/2025 | 14 | HDLE 4U | $29,950.00 | Newbury | 3319m | Soft | Jack Quinlan | 73.5kg | 4:01.40 | - | 0 |
| 1.0L | $4.50 |
1/10 | 25/01/2025 | 23 | MHDLE 4U | $14,210.00 | Uttoxeter | 3171m | Good Soft | Jack Quinlan | 73.5kg | 4:07.63 | - | 0 |
| 11.0L | $1.50 |
3/14 | 02/01/2025 | 43 | MHDLE 4U | $14,760.00 | Huntingdon | 3173m | Good Soft | Jack Quinlan | 73.5kg | 3:49.15 | - | 0 |
| 2.3L | $12.00 |
3/5 | 20/11/2024 | 25 | HDLE 4U | $11,800.00 | Warwick Uk | 4224m | Good Soft | Jack Quinlan | 69.5kg | 5:13.50 | - | 0 |
| 16.5L | $7.00 |
5/14 | 26/10/2024 | 181 | HUNT FLAT 45 | $28,540.00 | Cheltenham | 3319m | Good | Jack Quinlan | 70.5kg | 3:53.73 | - | 0 |
| 7.5L | $23.00 |
1/7 | 28/04/2024 | - | P2P MDN G 4 | $0.00 | Tattersalls P2p | 4828m | Good | F Maguire | 60kg | - | - | 0 |
| 4.0L | $1.00 |

Jockey: P Townend
Weight: 73kgs
Stats
Comments
Third-up today. First-up won by 3 len Punchestown in a G2 Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle on January 12 over 3400m on rain affected going defeating Kel Histoire carrying 71.5kg at $1.50 in a jumps. Last start finished fifth of 11 starters at Cheltenham in the G1 Supreme Novices Hurdle on March 11 over 3300m, 18 len behind Kopek Des Bordes with 73kg at $15. Looks to be Willie Mullins main chance and could bounce back.
Last Starts 23 days since last start
Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
5/11 | 11/03/2025 | 58 | G1 OPEN 4U | $269,470.00 | Cheltenham | 3319m | Good Soft | P W Mullins | 73kg | 3:52.04 | - | 0 |
| 18.5L | $15.00 |
1/6 | 12/01/2025 | 242 | G2 OPEN 5U | $65,040.00 | Punchestown | 3419m | Soft | P Townend | 71.5kg | 4:27.10 | - | 0 |
| 3.0L | $1.53 |
1/13 | 15/05/2024 | 61 | MHDLE 4 | $18,210.00 | Tipperary | 3218m | GY | P Townend | 69.5kg | 4:07.30 | - | 0 |
| 62.0L | $1.08 |
6/12 | 15/03/2024 | 332 | G1 HDLE 4 | $242,530.00 | Cheltenham | 3419m | Heavy | Brian Hayes | 71kg | 4:17.52 | - | 0 |
| 17.0L | $9.50 |
2/15 | 18/04/2023 | - | LR HDLE UNR CG 3 | $115,450.00 | Auteuil | 3000m | SH | Felix De Giles | 67kg | 3:36.16 | - | 0 |
| 1.8L | $10.00 |

Jockey: J J Burke
Weight: 73kgs
Stats
Comments
Third-up today. To post a big 11 len win. Musselburgh on February 2 over 3120m defeating Cloonainra with 73kg at $1.40 in a hurdle. To post a big 7 len win. Kempton Park in a G2 Dovecote Novices' Hurdle on February 22 over 3200m defeating Miami Magic carrying 73.5kg at $3.50 in a jumps. Created a big impression latest and can go close.
Last Starts 40 days since last start
Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1/7 | 22/02/2025 | 20 | G2 OPEN 4U | $138,380.00 | Kempton Park | 3218m | Good Soft | Jonathan Burke | 73.5kg | 3:57.00 | - | 0 |
| 7.5L | $3.50 |
1/7 | 02/02/2025 | 67 | WFA HDLE 4U | $36,900.00 | Musselburgh | 3130m | Good Soft | Jonathan Burke | 73kg | 3:45.27 | - | 0 |
| 11.0L | $1.40 |
1/6 | 27/11/2024 | 21 | WFA HDLE HUNT 4U | $11,990.00 | Market Rasen | 3332m | Soft | Jonathan Burke | 70kg | 4:22.10 | - | 0 |
| 29.0L | $1.07 |
2/10 | 06/11/2024 | 207 | MHDLE HUNT 4U | $13,980.00 | Chepstow | 3218m | Good Soft | Jonathan Burke | 71.5kg | 4:05.83 | - | 0 |
| 1.3L | $2.50 |
2/18 | 13/04/2024 | 83 | G2 HUNT FLAT 46 | $89,820.00 | Aintree | 3419m | Good Soft | Paddy Brennan | 71.5kg | 4:11.68 | - | 0 |
| 1.0L | $7.50 |
1/13 | 21/01/2024 | 82 | HUNT FLAT 46 | $72,600.00 | Lingfield | 3218m | NS | Paddy Brennan | 71.5kg | 3:32.32 | - | 0 |
| 1.5L | $8.50 |
5/16 | 31/10/2023 | - | HUNT FLAT 45 | $8,710.00 | Chepstow | 3218m | Good Soft | Paddy Brennan | 69.5kg | 4:08.40 | - | 0 |
| 11.5L | $9.00 |

Jockey: Ben Jones
Weight: 70kgs
Stats
Comments
Racing well. Last start finished third of 23 starters at Cheltenham in the G2 Dawn Run Mares' Novices' Hurdle on March 13 over 3380m, 6 len behind Air Of Entitlement carrying 71.5kg at $13. The start before that; finished second of 10 runners at Sandown Park on January 24 over 3200m, slow track; 4 len behind Castle Carrock carrying 71.5kg at $1.20. Continues to improve. A bit more to do back against the Geldings.
Last Starts 21 days since last start
Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
3/23 | 13/03/2025 | 48 | G2 OPEN M 4U | $193,730.00 | Cheltenham | 3382m | Good Soft | Kielan Woods | 71.5kg | 4:04.26 | - | 0 |
| 6.5L | $13.00 |
2/10 | 24/01/2025 | 23 | HDLE HUNT 4U | $19,910.00 | Sandown Park Uk | 3218m | Soft | Kielan Woods | 71.5kg | 4:16.06 | - | 0 |
| 3.8L | $1.22 |
1/9 | 01/01/2025 | 23 | MHDLE 4U | $36,900.00 | Cheltenham | 4074m | Soft | Kielan Woods | 70kg | 5:18.06 | - | 0 |
| 1.8L | $2.25 |
2/6 | 09/12/2024 | 242 | WFA HDLE M 3U | $14,210.00 | Lingfield | 3218m | Soft | Kielan Woods | 71kg | 4:06.52 | - | 0 |
| 1.3L | $1.36 |
1/16 | 11/04/2024 | 65 | G2 HUNT FLAT M 46 | $89,820.00 | Aintree | 3419m | Soft | Kielan Woods | 71kg | 4:27.51 | - | 0 |
| 3.5L | $7.50 |
1/7 | 06/02/2024 | 100 | LR HUNT FLAT M 46 | $45,370.00 | Market Rasen | 3319m | Soft | Brian Hughes | 71.5kg | 4:24.10 | - | 0 |
| 0.8L | $5.00 |
2/9 | 29/10/2023 | - | P2P MDN M 4 | $0.00 | Tattersalls P2p | 4828m | Heavy | Derek O'Connor | 60kg | - | - | 0 |
| 3.0L | $1.00 |