Aintree Bowl top tips: Shishkin to prove class at last, Thunder Rock could surprise

14:55 - Aintree Bowl Chase (3 miles 1 furlong)

From this small high-class line-up a valid argument could be made for each of the seven starters, all of whom possess the pedigree and the quality to have a say in this.

Gerri Colombe looks likely to be sent off as the short-priced favourite after 12 career outings that have seen him beaten by only three of his combined 85 rivals, the last being Galopin Des Champs in last month’s Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Planet Sport Bet: Bet £20+ cash on any runner in the race and if Gerri Colombe wins by more than 6 lengths, get a £5 Free Bet!

Fifth in that same race was perennial performer Bravemansgame, whose lack of wins this year is “a bit of a headscratcher” for jockey Harry Cobden, who explains in his regular PlanetSportBet blog that Paul Nicholls’  nine-year-old could reap the rewards of their decision to try first-time cheekpieces here. 
WATCH: Harry Cobden assesses his four rides on day one of the Grand National meeting

Corbetts Cross is another who merits serious consideration here, but our final nod goes to Nicky Henderson’s Shishkin, who is looking to defend the crown he won a year ago and provide a happy ending to a troubled campaign.

His chasing ability is unquestioned, which made it all the more surprising that he stubbornly refused to race on season debut at Ascot, and then parted company with Nico De Boinville two fences out in the King George, when he seemed to have the race at his mercy.

He bounced back to land the odds with a stylish four-length win at Newbury in February, only to have his Gold Cup hopes scuppered by a poor scope at a time when the Henderson yard was experiencing widespread health issues.

Five of his six rivals were in action at Cheltenham a month ago, so assuming Shishkin lines up here 100 percent fit, then his absence at the Festival could work in his favour as he turns up fresher than most and as good as any of these on his day.

Suggested bet: Shishkin in the 14:55 at Aintree

• Tip advised by HorsesTips on Tipstrr

The only other runner here not to have appeared at Cheltenham is Thunder Rock, who might just be flying under radar of the bookies, especially as most of them are offering three places for this seven-runner race.

That has certainly sparked interest among Tipstrr’s each-way specialists, who have noticed that Olly Murphy’s eight-year-old has been improving quietly over the winner, albeit never facing the class of opposition he is up against here.

It would be a surprise if thsi ride allows jockey Sean Bowen to close the gap on Harry Cobden in the race for the champion jockey crown, but a clear round might just make him worth a cautious each-way play at such outsider odds in such a small field.

Outsider Punt: Thunder Rock each-way in the 14:55 at Aintree

• Tip advised by OPAL Horses on Tipstrr

Aintree Bowl Chase last 5 winners

• 2023 Shishkin 7/4F

• 2022 Clan Des Obeaux 13/2 

• 2021 Clan Des Obeaux 5/2F 

• 2019 Kemboy 9/4F

• 2018 Might Bite 4/5F 

READ MORE: Thursday ITV racing tips: Best Bets for Aintree on April 11