2024 Aintree Bowl Tips - Russell's outsider appeals back at his favourite track

Gerri Colombe was my selection in last month's Gold Cup, so I was delighted to see Gordon Elliott's star move into a position to challenge turning for home. Galopin Des Champs proved too strong on the day, but Jack Kennedy's mount kept on right through the line to finish second.

Gordon Elliott's star chaser won the Mildmay here at Aintree 12 months ago following a runner-up in the Brown Advisory. The bookmaker are offering skinny odds on Gerri Colombe to do the same on Thursday. Yet, I'm veering away from my Gold Cup fancy.

Going from the Gold Cup to the Aintree Bowl is hard work. No horse has ever won both races. Since the turn of the century, twelve horses have won this Grade One following an outing in the showpiece event at Cheltenham. Five of those winners failed to complete in the Gold Cup and five were well beaten. Might Bite and Exotic Dancer finished gallant seconds in their Gold Cups and went on to strike at Aintree - an incredible feat when you look through the history books, and it will take some effort from Gerri Colombe to emulate them.

My search for an alternative starts with Shishkin. Nicky Henderson's star could be the most naturally talented horse in the race, but can be quite erratic and, given the current well-being of Henderson's horses, Shishkin doesn't offer any value at 3/1.

Corbetts Cross jumps out of novice company and Emmet Mullins' seven-year-old doesn't appeal much at his current short odds. Bravemansgame never seems to run to his best at Aintree. The fragile Gentlemansgame has shown a liking for nicer ground and Thunder Rock is yet to prove he's any better than a very good handicapper.

The option I'm left with is AHOY SENOR, who has won two Grade Ones at this meeting and finished a very close second to Shishkin in this race 12 months ago. Lucinda Russell's nine-year-old has endured a disappointing build-up to Aintree, but that didn't stop Ahoy Senor from challenging last year. 

Russell opted for the Ryanair Chase over a second tilt at the Gold Cup, presumably with one eye on Aintree. Ahoy Senor jumped poorly when sixth that day, but Derek Fox's mount never seems to jump well around Prestbury Park and he's proven on several occasions that Aintree is his favourite track. 

Live Stream