April 11 / 14.55 Aintree

14.55

Soft

William Hill Bowl Chase (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £140325
  • 3m 0f 210y
  • Class 1
  • 7 runners
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William Hill Bowl Chase (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

Runners: 7 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

7/4 (Won)

  • Win: £3.25
  • Place: £1.70

Form: 21-122 CD

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 170

Form & Verdict
Easy win in Grade 1 Mildmay Novices' Chase over C&D (good to soft) at this meeting last year; won Grade 1 at Down Royal (3m, soft) on reappearance and better than ever when fine second in last month's Gold Cup at Cheltenham (3m2f, soft); had a hard race but has run just three times this season; leading claims if Cheltenham hasn't left a mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Gerri Colombe

11st 10lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

Five Grade 1 wins and runner-up in the 2024 Cheltenham Gold Cup; reappearance at Christmas came after 421 days off and this season's form is well short of his best, but second to Grangeclare West at Fairyhouse was a big step back in the right direction and he comfortably obliged at odds-on for latest outing; cheekpieces last three starts; well handicapped on his old form and could be on his way back.

25/1

1st

3

17th Mar 2026

Yielding

3m 2f 50y

15:38 Down Royal

Gerri Colombe

11st 0lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

Five Grade 1 wins; runner-up to Galopin Des Champs in the 2024 Gold Cup; defeated at odds-on here in November 2024; absent until pulled up early in the Savills at Christmas; respectable third at Gowran in the Galmoy Hurdle (heavy) in first-time cheekpieces; good effort behind Grangeclare West in the Bobbyjo; gets 7lb from Nick Rockett, race-fitness in his favour

11/10

2nd

6

21st Feb 2026

Heavy

3m 2f 0y

15:15 Fairyhouse

Gerri Colombe

11st 0lb

J: Jordan Gainford

T: Gordon Elliott

Five-time Grade 1 winner was a runner-up behind Galopin Des Champs in the 2024 Gold Cup; defeated at odds-on at Down Royal in November 2024 and didn't reappear for 421 days when pulled up early in the Savills over Christmas; more promise in his third at Gowran in the Galmoy Hurdle (heavy) in first-time cheekpieces, although 18l behind; back over fences now and this is a key test to see if the ability is still there.

14/1

11/1

  • Place: £3.00

Form: -PP436 CD

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 10lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 158

Form & Verdict
He can make mistakes and hasn't been at his best this season, albeit dropped back to 2m5f/2m4f the last twice; however, he has an excellent record at this meeting and ran a cracker in this race last year (good to soft) only to be caught by Shishkin close home; also effective on soft; could go well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

1

1st Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 2

15:40 Musselburgh

Ahoy Senor

12st 0lb

J: Derek Fox

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Very much the class act in this field but he's become hugely frustrating as a chaser and tailed off (after making the running) when he reverted to hurdles in a Grade 2 at Newbury on latest outing; thrown in if he can even remotely get his act together.

14/1

1

26th Oct 2025

Good

2m 3f 200y

Class 1

14:55 Aintree

Ahoy Senor

11st 12lb

J: Derek Fox

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

10yo who was underwhelming in the main last season and soundly beaten in the Grade 1 Bowl here in April, having finished runner-up in the previous two runnings of that 3m contest; a longer trip than this would probably be preferable but he's 7lb lower than when a close third in this last year and is well worth a second look in view of his record at this track.

13/2

5th

1

3rd Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

14:55 Aintree

Ahoy Senor

11st 10lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell

Comes with some risk having failed to complete in his last three starts (had wind surgery prior to latest); however, comes alive at Aintree and has performed well in this race for the last two years, taking form figures at this meeting to 1122 (gained the wins in Grade 1 novice events over hurdles/fences); big player provided that pattern is sustained.

6/1

OUR TIP

Form: -312F1 D

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 157

Form & Verdict
6l runner-up in Grade 1 novice chase at Leopardstown (3m, soft) in December and showed improved form in a first-time hood (retained) when bolting up in Grade 2 NH Chase at last month's Cheltenham Festival (3m6f, heavy); faces much tougher opposition now out of novice company but he was certainly impressive last time and it remains to be seen where his limitations lie.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

14th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 2f 70y

Class 1

16:00 Cheltenham

Corbetts Cross

11st 10lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Emmet Mullins

Strong stayer who made short work of his rivals in the National Hunt Chase here (3m6f, heavy) last March and showed he could do more than just grind away when close up in the Bowl (3m1f, soft) at Aintree after; unable to go with Banbridge in the home straight in the King George at Kempton (3m) on Boxing Day and his pace was again lacking over 2m5f at Ascot (good) last month, but this test can see him back in a good place; a dollop of rain would help but he isn't a forlorn hope.

20/1

2

15th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 8y

Class 1

15:37 Ascot

Corbetts Cross

11st 10lb

J: Mark Walsh

T: Emmet Mullins

Second-season chaser who never landed a blow in good-ground King George last time (raced mostly on soft/heavy otherwise); not short of stamina, having been successful over 3m6f at the 2024 Cheltenham Festival, but his last attempt over 2m5f resulted in a win; major player provided he copes with the return to this distance and shows best form.

5/2

Form: 21-RU1 CD

Last run: 61 days

W: 11st 10lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 173

Form & Verdict
Won this last year (good to soft); refused to race on reappearance (his sole outing in cheekpieces); may well have won the Grade 1 King George at Kempton (3m, good) in December but for stumbling/unseating just after two out; ready Grade 2 win at Newbury (2m7f, heavy) in February; didn't run in last month's Gold Cup due to an unsatisfactory scope and there remains a question mark regarding the form of the stable, but he's a key player if at his best.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

6

11th Apr 2024

Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

14:55 Aintree

Shishkin

11st 10lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

Won this last year (good to soft); refused to race on reappearance (his sole outing in cheekpieces); may well have won the Grade 1 King George at Kempton (3m, good) in December but for stumbling/unseating just after two out; ready Grade 2 win at Newbury (2m7f, heavy) in February; didn't run in last month's Gold Cup due to an unsatisfactory scope and there remains a question mark regarding the form of the stable, but he's a key player if at his best.

5/2

4th

6

11th Apr 2024

Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

14:55 Aintree

Shishkin

11st 10lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

Won this last year (good to soft); refused to race on reappearance (his sole outing in cheekpieces); may well have won the Grade 1 King George at Kempton (3m, good) in December but for stumbling/unseating just after two out; ready Grade 2 win at Newbury (2m7f, heavy) in February; didn't run in last month's Gold Cup due to an unsatisfactory scope and there remains a question mark regarding the form of the stable, but he's a key player if at his best.

5/2

1st

2

10th Feb 2024

Soft

2m 7f 86y

Class 1

14:05 Newbury

Shishkin

11st 8lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

jumped left on occasions, raced in second, not fluent 3rd, not fluent 13th, pressed leader after 4 out, led 3 out, soon faced challenge, not fluent last, ridden and kept on well run-in

4/6

Form: 31-21P D

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 160

Form & Verdict
Beat Bravemansgame (who was conceding 6lb) by about 2l when winning the Grade 2 Charlie Hall at Wetherby (3m, soft) in November on just his third chase start; he's better than he showed on his sole run since, in last month's Gold Cup (pulled up), but he's hard to fancy on the back of that; wears a tongue-tie for first time since 2022 (has won twice in one).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

5

14th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 2f 70y

Class 1

16:00 Cheltenham

Gentlemansgame

11st 10lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: M F Morris

Has some good efforts at about 3m1f in his record but he was pulled up in last year's Gold Cup (25-1) and, after finishing a respectable third to Galopin Des Champs at Leopardstown after Christmas, he wasn't at his best in a Grade 2 here last time out; his form needs an upgrade and others look better equipped for the stamina test; has been tongue tied or worn cheekpieces in recent starts, no aids today.

66/1

3rd

1

25th Jan 2025

Good

3m 1f 56y

Class 1

14:25 Cheltenham

Gentlemansgame

11st 10lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: M F Morris

raced in third, not fluent 3rd, not fluent 15th, not fluent 5 out, weakened 2 out

3/1

3rd

1

25th Jan 2025

Good

3m 1f 56y

Class 1

14:25 Cheltenham

Gentlemansgame

11st 10lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: M F Morris

raced in third, not fluent 3rd, not fluent 15th, not fluent 5 out, weakened 2 out

3/1

Form: 3-2225 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 10lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 167

Form & Verdict
Last season's King George winner (3m, soft) and Gold Cup second (3m2f, soft) who hasn't hit the same heights this term, coming fifth in the Gold Cup last month; however, he showed considerable spark when second in the King George (3m, good) and perhaps cheekpieces will be a plus; not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

13

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Bravemansgame

11st 0lb

J: James Reveley

T: Paul Nicholls

Won the 2022 King George and second in the 2023 Cheltenham Gold Cup (he's unraced beyond that 3m2f); a run of seconds late in 2023 was creditable but more substantial doubts have now set in and various equipment has been tried; to look on the bright side, he makes his first foray outside Grade 1 or 2 for over three years and his handicap mark has plummeted.

40/1

15th

13

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Bravemansgame

11st 0lb

J: James Reveley

T: Paul Nicholls

Won the 2022 King George and second in the 2023 Cheltenham Gold Cup (he's unraced beyond that 3m2f); a run of seconds late in 2023 was creditable but more substantial doubts have now set in and various equipment has been tried; to look on the bright side, he makes his first foray outside Grade 1 or 2 for over three years and his handicap mark has plummeted.

40/1

3rd

5

8th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 7f 86y

Class 1

14:25 Newbury

Bravemansgame

11st 2lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

prominent, disputed lead from 5th

5/2

Form: 2-1P21

Last run: 40 days

W: 11st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 156

Form & Verdict
Went back up in trip at Kelso (2m7f, good to soft) last month and won that Listed chase in decisive fashion; has also won on soft; this 8yo is unexposed over staying trips and could have more to offer, but others have far more substance to their form and he looks vulnerable in this Grade 1.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16th

21

9th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

15:30 Aintree

Thunder Rock

12st 0lb

J: Mr James King

T: Olly Murphy

Very talented in his prime; this 10yo isn't the force of old and today's race is much tougher than the hunter chases he's won easily on his last two starts (2m4f, good to soft/good) but if he can tap further into his back-class he may well be in the mix; James King has won this twice.

16/1

1st

1

23rd Mar 2026

Good

2m 4f 110y

Class 5

17:15 Kempton

Thunder Rock

12st 6lb

J: Mr James King

T: Olly Murphy

Listed winner in his prime and has made a solid start to hunter chasing, namely a close second and easy success at Wincanton; should follow up.

1/10

1st

2

25th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 4f 35y

Class 5

16:20 Wincanton

Thunder Rock

12st 6lb

J: Mr James King

T: Olly Murphy

Powers were on the decline when confined to hurdling last season but he was a classy chaser back in the day and nearly won his first hunter chase over 3m1f here a month ago (heavy); may need that longer trip now but strong claims otherwise.

Evs

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £18.10
Straight Forecast £19.99
Trifecta £63.50

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Gerri Colombe

LAMBOURN:

Shishkin

The Times:

Corbetts Cross

SPOTLIGHT:

Ahoy Senor

WEST COUNTRY:

Bravemansgame

D Express:

Corbetts Cross

Daily Record:

Corbetts Cross

Telegraph:

Ahoy Senor

TOPSPEED:

Gerri Colombe

POSTDATA:

Gerri Colombe

The Guardian:

Gerri Colombe

Daily Mirror:

Gerri Colombe

Daily Mail:

Shishkin

The Sun:

Shishkin

The Star:

Shishkin