Formby Novices Hurdle Tips: Back An Alex Ferguson Triumph in Liverpool

The highlight of the Boxing Day racing at Aintree is the Grade 1 Formby Novices Hurdle at 1:05. Here we preview the race and provide a tip that you can back at NetBet. 

Formerly known as the Tolworth Hurdle when it was run at Sandown, the Formby Novices Hurdle has an impressive list of winners including Constitution Hill who was victorious in 2022. Run over 2 miles and half a furlong, it features four horses defending unbeaten records this season. Let's take a look at the contenders. 

Potters Charm (21-111)

Trained by Nigel-Twiston Davies and ridden by son Sam, this Alex Ferguson-owned gelding is well clear on official and Racing Post ratings after two wins at Cheltenham in November and December. He has won on a variety of ground types from good to heavy and is yet to taste defeat in four races under NH rules. He has a step back in trip to contend with but he looks the best of these on the form shown so far.

Roadlesstravelled (P/1-111)

Like Potters Charm, this Jonjo O'Neill trained gelding is unbeaten in three races so far this season, the latest coming at Haydock where the re-opposing Country Mile was 3 lengths back in second. Could make the running and could be difficult to peg back under the trainer's son, Jonjo O'Neill Junior.

Country Mile (21-121)

This Dan Skelton-trained runner bounced back from the aforementioned defeat to Roadlesstravelled with a victory at Cheltenham in December. It was an impressive performance but its hard to see him reversing the form with the Jonjo O'Neill contender. 

Celtic Dino (131-11)

Has won three from three this season, his latest being a 4 1/4 length victory of an Introductory Hurdle at Ascot. Prior to that he won hurdle and National Hunt flat races at Wincanton and all three wins were achieved when odds-on to claim success. Hard to know therefore how good he really is.

Miami Magic (441-211), Junker D'Allier (222-11) & Good And Clever (13-2)

The remaining three of the seven runner field all hold a chance. Miami Magic goes for a hat-trick following wins at Fakenham and Kempton whilst Junker D'Allier is two from two this season after wins at Carlisle and Bangor. God And Clever is the outsider in the field but has yet to finish out of the first three. However, with seven runners meaning just two each-way places are paid, there is less incentive to look for a value each-way option.