Holywell set to bowl them over
HOLYWELL (Aintree, 2.50) had no answer to the relentless pace of Coneygree in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, but the Betfred Bowl may see him in a better light today.
The switch to a better surface should ensure Jonjo O’Neill’s charge is a happier horse than at the Festival, where the overnight rain meant conditions played to the strengths of the grinders and gallopers.
This afternoon’s race could represent more of a test of speed and, although Holywell is also a thorough stayer, his performance at Aintree last year when destroying Don Cossack illustrated he is not devoid of pace. A similar level of performance can see him hand AP McCoy another happy retirement memory.
The decision to bypass Cheltenham with ROCK ON RUBY (Aintree, 3.25) may prove a shrewd move by trainer Harry Fry as his gelding bids to make it third time lucky in the Aintree Hurdle.
The selection’s preparation is reported to have gone well and he was narrowly touched off in the race by The New One last year so is clearly a potent force in the spring on decent ground.
Champion Hurdle second and fourth, Arctic Fire and Jezki, will be tough to beat but today’s trip is more Rock On Ruby’s optimum distance than that of his rivals and he would be a hugely popular winner if obliging.
BIG FELLA THANKS (Aintree, nap, 4.05) qualified for the Crabbie Fox Hunters’ Chase with a straight- forward triumph in a small-field Wincanton event last time.
That will have done little more than give him some confidence for today’s vastly different task, but connections have had this race in mind for some time and his previous effort in a decent Cheltenham handicap was a fine performance.
The likelihood of better ground should suit a horse that has run in four Nationals and finished a creditable seventh in the Topham Chase over these fences 12 months ago.
Given the way the Coral Cup panned out, TAGLIETELLE (Aintree, nb, 5.15) did well to finish fourth behind Aux Ptits Soins and he could find a truer gallop to his liking today.