Grand National betting: 2026 Aintree Mersey contenders and tip

Ahead of the Grand National today, Coral previews all of the races taking place on April 11, continuing with the Mersey Novices' Hurdle.

2026 Mersey Novices’ Hurdle contenders and tip

One of the more open-looking races of the day, the Mersey Novices’ Hurdle is a tricky race to decipher. 

The Coral ambassador Sean Bowen-ridden Scorpio Rising has had a terrific season so far, winning each of his latest four starts. Despite a hike in the weights, he still looks fairly competitive here.

Tom Lacey’s Montemares has been productive this season too, winning a Grade Two race at Kelso lately, but many of his main opposition that day did not complete, so he looks uncertain here. 

Ballyfad was below form at Cheltenham in the Turners, but that run could be ruled out and he may bounce back to his usual front-finishing consistency now. He might prefer the flatter track at Aintree and could bounce back to his best self here, provided Cheltenham hasn’t taken too much out of him. 

Charisma Cat is a consistent sort, and won when last seen at Newbury. An improving mare, she could outrun her odds of 14/1 for Alan King and Tom Bellamy.