HOT CROSS PUNT
Mullins ace to Bowl over Aintree rivals
CORBETTS CROSS (2.55, trb) is another Aintree ace for Grand National-winning trainer Emmet Mullins in theWilliam Hill Bowl Chase. Noble Yeats broke an 82-year-old age trend at 50-1 two years ago and makes a third appearance in Saturday’s feature contest.
But first his upwardly mobile stablemate should thwart Gordon Elliott’s Gold Cup second Gerri Colombe and its late absentee Shishkin.
At his best, Nicky Henderson’s titleholder will make them all go, with 3lb and upwards in hand of the six other contenders.
But his stable suffered a major dip in form, sending out just four runners since March 27 – and there is no hiding place against Grade One chasers.
In a first-time hood, Corbetts Cross bounded up the hill for a 17-length National Hunt Chase romp at Cheltenham.
Despite its marathon 3m 6f distance, he had a much easier time than Gerri Colombe, all out chasing Galopin Des Champs in the main event.
Mullins, nephew of his trainer Willie, could have kept my selection in novice company – and his decision to take on battle-hardened performers with his thriving thoroughbred can be rewarded.
Henderson’s SIR GINO (2.20, nb) is so good that he is worth chancing in the Boodles Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle.
The expectant star of Seven Barrows enhanced his glowing reputation by outspeeding Royal Ascot handicap winner Burdett Road around Prestbury Park on Trials Day in January,
Not your average juvenile, this future chaser should have a class edge over Triumph Hurdle runner-up Kargese and Kalif Du Berlais, who has to make a step up on a brace of triumphs for leading handler Paul Nicholls. IMPAIRE ET PASSE (3.30) is the best bet from Willie Mullins’ seven-horse squad for day one of three in Liverpool.
Not fast enough to get in front of champion hurdler State Man on home turf, the Aintree Hurdle’s extra half mile gives him impetus to reverse Leopardstown placings with Bob Olinger.
It is likely Paul Townend will be in front of Rachael Blackmore’s mount early – and that is where he can stay in a straight fight between the market principals.
The Randox Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Chase has a more complicated look, but gives punters a chance to find value.
Horses priced at 100-1, 66-1 and 16-1 have been among the past 10 winners, with two renewals going to class act On The Fringe.
Will Biddick scooped the trophy with Famous Clermont a year ago and is booked for
LIEUTENANT ROCCO (4.05, Nap).
Rated 143 in his pomp, the chestnut ran well for a long way in the cross country chase at the 2023 Cheltenham Festival.
Down in trip to 2m 5f, he will jump for fun up front and has necessary stamina to cope with the slowest ground since Tiger Roll’s 2018 National.
Raised 8lb for a game Grand Annual display, UNEXPECTED PARTY (4.40) can boost Dan Skelton’s bid for a first trainers’ title in the Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Chase.