The Grade 1 Mildmay Novices’ Chase is the first of the top level contests to take place at Aintree on Friday. The second day of the Grand National meeting is another chock full of high quality racing.

Joe Napier previews this staying novice chase, which features a wide-open eight-runner field.

2026 Mildmay Novices’ Chase Runners 

All eight runners can claim to have a chance in the Mildmay Novices’ Chase. Starting with those who ran in the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase, both Salver and Wendigo ran big races for the Brits at Cheltenham. The former would have had the latter’s measure and this flatter track should also suit the Moores’ charge better, though both are thorough stayers. The ground may not be ideal for either though.

That is not for the case for novices’ handicap participants Gold Dancer and Regent’s Stroll. Willie Mullins’ charge ran a big race off top-weight in that contest when a game second. He is worth another try at this staying distance and is a rare Grade 1 runner for Closutton this week. Regent’s Stroll was third in that Cheltenham contest and represents a yard who won this with that contest’s winner 12 months ago. He could easily step forward for a greater emphasis on stamina.

Jordans Cross was inconvenienced by the start in that race, but was receiving weight from the above-mentioned two that day. It is difficult to see him overturning that form. His stablemate Crest Of Fortune is a consistent type at a lower level, but he has the most work to do up against these rivals

Miami Magic stayed 3m well on his first attempt last time out and is another consistent type. He could easily make the step up to the top level though was disappointing at this meeting last year. Nevertheless, it could suit him not having run at Cheltenham, as is the case for Doyen Quest. He has twice been behind Salver, but this track on good ground could really suit his front-running style. He is interesting at a price.

2026 Mildmay Novices’ Chase Racecard

2026 Mildmay Novices’ Chase Trends 

• Five of the last six winners have been aged 7
• Six of the last eight favourites have won, including the last three
• Seven of the last nine winners have been trained in Britain
• The last three winners had all run at Cheltenham

2026 Mildmay Novices’ Chase Tips 

The percentage call goes to Gold Dancer, who should get 3m1f on this ground and ran a belter in the novices’ handicap at Cheltenham off top-weight. Were the ground to be a bit slower, this would suit both Salver and Wendigo. Both are feared, but Doyen Quest is a value outsider as a tough front-running hare under these conditions.

FAQs

When and where is the Mildmay Novices’ Chase run?

The Mildmay Novices’ Chase will take place at Aintree racecourse on Friday 10 April, 2026 at 2.20pm.

How can I watch the Mildmay Novices’ Chase on Friday?

The Mildmay Novices’ Chase is shown live on ITV at 2.20pm on Friday.

When were the Mildmay Novices’ Chase tips published?

The tips for the Mildmay Novices’ Chase were published at 10.55am on Thursday 9 April.

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