Conflated and Gerri Colombe to spearhead Gordon Elliott's Aintree squad

With Sam Ewing in the saddle, Elliott's dual Grade One winner ran a cracking race in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, staying on up the hill to finish third behind Galopin Des Champs and Bravemansgame. 

Elliott had said before Cheltenham that he'd love to run Conflated in the Grand National, but connections have decided to go back to the Aintree Bowl, where Conflated finished second to Clan Des Obeaux 12 months ago.

"We'll have plenty of runners over the three days, even more than usual I would say." Elliott told the press this week.

"Conflated will go for the Bowl. He ran a cracker in it last year and looks to have a big chance again. You'd have to be delighted with the way he ran in the Gold Cup, he was just beaten by two very good horses. 

"He's matured an awful lot over the last two seasons and seems to be getting better with every run. Hopefully Jack [Kennedy] will be back for Aintree and, if he is, he will ride him."

Both Gerri Colombe and Mighty Potter were beaten favourites at Cheltenham last week. Mighty Potter, who was sore after his run at the Festival, will likely be saved for Fairyhouse or Punchestown. Gerri Colombe, however, is being aimed at the Mildmay Novices' Chase at Aintree next month.

"Ground permitting, Gerri Colombe will go to Aintree." Elliott continued. "He didn't do much wrong at Cheltenham and just failed to get up. In another stride, he was there. I'd say the ground might be gone for him by the time Punchestown comes around so Aintree is the plan. He seems to have come out of the race in great form."

Elliott went on to discuss his runners in the novice hurdles races, before mentioning which runners will represent Cullentra in the 2023 Grand National.

"The likes of Irish Point and Absolute Notions, who both skipped Cheltenham, will be on the teamsheet too. They are two very nice novice hurdlers."

"We'll have plenty for the Grand National, the likes of Delta Work, Galvin, Coko Beach and maybe one or two others as well."