The Grade 1 Melling Chase is the centrepiece of Aintree‘s Friday card. It headlines a competitive second day of action at the Grand National meeting.
GG tipster Joe Napier previews this year’s contest, which lacks the hat-trick seeking Jonbon. However, that horse’s Cheltenham conqueror may well double up in this race.
2026 Melling Chase Runners
Runners from all three championship chases at Cheltenham convene for Aintree’s middle distance Grade 1. The winner of its equivalent at Prestbury Park was Heart Wood, who swept his rivals aside in the Ryanair Chase. His record suggests he is better when fresh, but he may not have even had a tough race at Cheltenham so easily did he win it.
From the Gold Cup, Grey Dawning re-emerges. He was a gallant fourth in that big race, but unlike Heart Wood, that effort could have taken a toll. Cheekpieces go on for this shorter distance and connections will hope his class can see him through.
His stablemate and fellow grey L’Eau du Sud was third in the Champion Chase. He was perhaps unflattered by racing closer to Majborough’s lung-busting pace in the Wednesday showpiece. A step up in trip does not look what he is crying out for, but there is potential there.
Saint Segal made a shuddering error and thus did not feature in the Champion Chase. He is up against it, while JPR One ran a huge race for a long way in the Ryanair but has a mountain to climb to overturn that form.
As such, the two Cheltenham skippers could be among the stronger contenders. Gidleigh Park blew out in the Clarence House Chase at Ascot. However, 2m4f is a better trip for him and he was second in a course and distance Grade 1 novice chase last term, finishing ahead of Jango Baie. Solness also missed Cheltenham and 2m4f looks a wise move for a front-runner who sees out 2m well. He is interesting at longer odds.
2026 Melling Chase Racecard
15:30 Aintree
Good To SoftJCB Melling Chase (Grade 1) (GBB Race)
- First Prize: £140325
- 2m 3f 200y
- Class 1
- 7 runners
- Win time: 4m 50s
5/1 (Won)
- Win: £6.00
- Place: £2.20
8/1
- Place: £3.10
6/5F
16/1
4/1
11/1
33/1
+o+e Betting Returns
| Payout | |
|---|---|
| Exacta | £38.30 |
| Straight Forecast | £39.02 |
| Trifecta | £71.60 |
Selections
Daily Record:
Heart Wood2026 Melling Chase Trends
- Five of the last six favourites have been victorious
- Six of the last nine winners have been British-trained
- The last three winners prior to Jonbon last year had all missed Cheltenham
- Eight of the last ten winners have been aged 7 or 8
2026 Melling Chase Tips
Though his record is best when fresh, Heart Wood won with such authority in the Ryanair Chase that he may not have fully exerted himself. He can follow up here to secure a handy spring double, as he won after only a five-week break earlier this campaign. Conversely, Grey Dawning may have left his race in the Gold Cup at Cheltenham. As such, the front-running Solness and Gidleigh Park, a Grade 1 runner-up in novice company last term, are more interesting alternatives for the frame.
FAQs
When and where is the Melling Chase run?
The Melling Chase will take place at Aintree racecourse on Friday 10 April, 2026 at 3.30pm.
How can I watch the Melling Chase on Friday?
The Melling Chase is shown live on ITV at 3.30pm on Friday.
When were the Melling Chase tips published?
The tips for the Melling Chase were published at 8.07am on Thursday 9 April.
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