AINTREE BOWL
Thursday 11th April, 2:55pm
Gerri Colombe @ 6/4
Shishkin @ 11/4
Corbetts Cross @ 7/2
Bravemansgame @ 17/2
view odds
*prices correct at time of writing.
RACE
Ok there’s no Galopin Des Champs but the Bowl (2-55) feels exactly like the Aintree version of the Gold Cup that it’s meant to be, as this festival gets off to a flying start (in terms of features) with Cheltenham absentee Shishkin facing, from the Gold Cup itself, runner-up Gerri Colombe and fifth-placed Bravemansgame as well as NH Chase winner Corbett’s Cross.
MARKET
As well as the state of the ground, the level of tough-race at Cheltenham is sure to play its part here and the Gold Cup horses had to dig deep to plough through conditions at jumping’s HQ.
Gerri Colombe was three-and-a-half lengths behind Galopin Des Champs and threw everything at the winner late on. Well behind was Bravemansgame, and, though fresher than some, he again doesn’t get conditions in his favour. Perhaps the lack of experience did for pulled-up Gentlemansgame – another coming to Cheltenham off a long break – and he was never really a factor.
Corbett’s Cross’ Cheltenham success in a first-time hood was one of the performances of the week, and demonstrated just what a glittering future he may have. That ground won’t bother him for a moment. Ahoy Senor arrives after a solid sixth in the Ryanair, and this is his time of the season as demonstrated by second place in this last year, behind Shishkin.
Oh yes, Shishkin is back after the Nicky Henderson horses were off colour at Cheltenham; what a time Shishkin’s had – refusing to race, tripping himself up, the Newbury success and bring a non-runner when probably set to be leading GB Gold Cup contender. Supporting him holds a range of risks but success would bring the house down. Thunder Rock is the lowest rated – but not by far – and won at Kelso in preparation, missing Cheltenham.
CORNELIUS’ QUARTET
In the Manifesto (1-45), Blow Your Wad has put in the bulk of his major runs on flat, right-handed tracks, but he goes perfectly okay to the left including when a close fourth in a bumper on Grand National day two years ago. Having not raced since February, he may find any holes in the Big Three after their Festival exploits.
Distance as well as ground will play its part in the Foxhunters (4-05), and the two-miles and five-furlongs (eighteen fences) will be sharp enough for some, but a couple that the formbook says will have plenty in their favour are Romeo Magico – Emmet Mullins’ number two string – and Spyglass Hill, revived by a move to be trained by Regan Pallas on the same Welsh beach as Christian Williams (for whom Pallas works). He impressed at Haydock.
A switch to two-miles was credited with the return to winning form of Unexpected Party (4-40) in the Grand Annual at Cheltenham, and if in the same heart an eight-pound rise in weight level may not stop them.
THE WINNER
In my case, the heart says Shishkin but the head wants to go with Corbett’s Cross – what about you?
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