Aintree

Tomorrow, October 26, 2025HurdleClass 22m4f

Verdict

A 3-time winner in maiden/novice company last season, SERIOUS CHALLENGE ran another solid race when fourth on his respective handicap debut at Sandown on his final start in April. There's surely more to come from Fergal O'Brien's 5-y-o this term and he earns the vote. Ace of Spades was progressive himself last season and he's feared, as is Cracking Rhapsody who enjoyed a smashing 2024/25.

Serious Challenge
Ace Of Spades
Cracking Rhapsody

Win or Each Way

Each Way terms: 1/4 odds for first 2 places

2. Serious Challenge
J: Jonathan BurkeT: Fergal O'Brien
F: 51114-
Price History:
3.75
Age:
5
Weight:
11-3
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
128
Days Since Last Run:
183
Verdict
Smart on the Flat in Ireland and progressive over hurdles for Fergal O'Brien, rattling off a hat-trick of maiden/novice victories at Southwell (15.8f) in April. Far from disgraced when fourth on handicap debut at Sandown (2m) later that month and surprising were there not more to come this term.
5. Moonbow
J: Brian HughesT: Patrick Neville
F: 219-31311
Price History:
5.50
Age:
5
Weight:
11-1
Gear:
tongue strap
Official Rating:
126
Days Since Last Run:
32
Verdict
Ungainly but currently too progressive for the handicapper to get to grips with him, again carrying his head awkwardly but still well on top when bagging 12-runner handicap at Perth (20.1f) 32 days ago. Hit with a 10 lb rise though, and this patently his toughest assignment to date.
4. Ace Of Spades
J: Harry SkeltonT: Dan Skelton
F: 21/421142-
Price History:
4.50
Age:
6
Weight:
11-2
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
127
Days Since Last Run:
198
Verdict
Went the right way in his first season as a hurdler, showing a willing attitude when winning 2m Cheltenham maiden and 2m6f Kelso novice either side of Christmas. Further progress switched to handicaps, good second over 3m at Ayr in April. Highly likely there's more to come this term. Down in trip.
1. Cracking Rhapsody
J: Craig NicholT: Ewan Whillans
F: 3/4010171-
Price History:
6.00
Age:
6
Weight:
12-0
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
139
Days Since Last Run:
197
Verdict
6-y-o who boasts a smashing strike rate over hurdles and he improved again to score 3 times last season, chief amongst them the Morebattle at Kelso and Scottish Champion Hurdle on final start at Ayr (2m) in April. Nudged up just 2 lb on the back of that and very much respected on return.
6. Serious Operator
J: Patrick WadgeT: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore
F: 91510/06-4
Price History:
6.50
Age:
8
Weight:
10-13
Gear:
tongue strap
Official Rating:
124
Days Since Last Run:
39
Verdict
Won twice in 2023/24 campaign but made it to the track only twice last season. Off for a further 5 months and shaped as if better for the run when fourth of 8 in handicap hurdle at Kelso (20.9f, good) 39 days ago. Entitled to step up on that having eased a little more in the weights.
3. Bold Light
J: Alan DoyleT: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore
F: 2/3131315-
Price History:
8.00
Age:
8
Weight:
11-2
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
127
Days Since Last Run:
185
Verdict
Enjoyed a good 2024/25 campaign, looking well suited by the drop back to 2½m when adding to his tally in 10-runner handicap at Kelso in March. 4 lb rise enough to prevent the follow up when fifth of 7 in handicap at Perth final start but not ruled out on reappearance given his low-mileage profile.
7. The Gray Ghost
J: Liam HarrisonT: Robbie Llewellyn
F: 7140127-6
Price History:
11.00
Age:
6
Weight:
10-9
Gear:
tongue strap
Official Rating:
120
Days Since Last Run:
21
Verdict
Bumper winner got off the mark over hurdles in a 2½m Newcastle novice back in January. Lightly raced subsequently but shaping up as though as good as ever after 6 months off before saddle slipped when sixth of 8 in handicap hurdle at Kelso (20.9f) 21 days ago. Has more wins in him from this mark.
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Aintree

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