The Manifesto Novices’ Chase is the opening Grade 1 for novice chasers at Aintree’s Grand National meeting. A small, select field, has been declared for the race, with one big name running, in particular.
Lulamba runs for Nicky Henderson and Nico De Boinville, and Joe Napier previews whether their star can overcome his Cheltenham Festival defeat.
2026 Manifesto Novices’ Chase Runners
Lulamba is the only place to start in the runners list for the Manifesto Novices’ Chase. A winner already in open company in the Game Spirit Chase at Newbury, he was third after a horrible mistake at the penultimate fence in the Arkle. All season, he has shaped like a horse who will be better over further, despite his prowess over 2m. He should realise a lot of that promise here.
Both Jax Junior and Mambonumberfive have had good seasons in Britain. The former could not cope with the high quality field in the Arkle, but was “best of the rest” in fourth. Mambonumberfive returns after disappointing at Warwick and skipping Cheltenham. 2m4f on a sound surface may prove his ideal conditions.
Blueking d’Oroux also missed Cheltenham, but his chasing form does not match his hurdles efforts as of yet. Therefore, the main danger to Lulamba may well be Irish raider Koktail Divin. He only faded late on in the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase having improved with every start over fences beforehand. If Lulamba makes any jumping errors, he looks the likeliest to profit.
2026 Manifesto Novices’ Chase Racecard
14:20 Aintree
Good To SoftWilliam Hill Manifesto Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) (GBB Race)
- First Prize: £67524
- 2m 3f 200y
- Class 1
- 5 runners
Runners: 5 runners
Type: Chase Turf
Surface: Turf
Weather: Light rain
Terms and conditions
*Odds displayed on this page are sourced directly from online bookmakers. Please check all details before placing your bet(s). 18+ only.
Betting Forecast
25/1 Blueking DOroux, 9/1 Jax Junior, 5/2 Koktail Divin, 8/13 Lulamba, 14/1 Mambonumberfive
Verdict
The Arkle proved a bump in the road but Lulamba may resume his progress to the top rank, with this new trip likely to suit. However, from a betting perspective KOKTAIL DIVIN is a very plausible alternative with his own progressive engine supplying plenty of horsepower and this scenario looking ideal for one who dominated from the front at Leopardstown, prior to shaping better than the bare form in a Cheltenham Festival race that proved the wrong option.[Steve Boow]
Selections
2026 Manifesto Novices’ Chase Trends
- The last three winners have been trained in Ireland
- No favourite has won this in the past decade
- However, only two winners have been sent off at bigger than 5/1
- Six of the last nine winners have been aged six
2026 Manifesto Novices’ Chase Tips
The long term plan had always been to step Lulamba up in trip, and he now does so. His mistake two out in the Arkle was enforced by the strong gallop over 2m, which has always looked short enough for him. He can make amends upped in distance, with Koktail Divin the likeliest to chase him home having improved with every chase start before Cheltenham. Mambonumberfive may be best of the rest having missed the Festival, unlike Jax Junior.
- Lulamba
- Koktail Divin
- Mambonumberfive
FAQs
When and where is the Manifesto Novices’ Chase run?
The Manifesto Novices’ Chase will take place at Aintree racecourse on Thursday 9 April, 2026 at 2.20pm.
How can I watch the Manifesto Novices’ Chase on Thursday?
The Manifesto Novices’ Chase is shown live on ITV at 2.20pm on Thursday.
When were the Manifesto Novices’ Chase tips published?
The tips for the Manifesto Novices’ Chase were published at 2.15pm on Tuesday 7 April.
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