AIntree 2014 - Betfred Bowl

2.30 Aintree

Betfred Bowl Chase (Grade 1) (Class 1)  (5YO plus)

Winner £84,405

Advice: 1 pt win Dynaste (2/1 general)

Argocat: Useful novice chaser as he showed when taking Limerick Grade 3 last year (albeit much expected to win); Not much of his form is upto this class however and will need to jump far better than he did last time out in victory at Gowran; Others preferred.

Dynaste: Only suffered one defeat as Novice chaser but bounced back from that in exemplary style when taking 3m novice chase here and since vastly improved, solid second in Betfair Chase to Cue Card; Pulled muscles in limp King George showing but travelled smoothly, made most ground of anything coming from the back, and was eventually a ready winner of Ryanair Chase; Everything suggested that he’s the one to beat again today.

First Lieutenant: Perhaps doesn’t win as much as a horse of his ability should but always better at this time of year and beat Menorah and Silvinaico Conti to take this prize before another big effort at Punchestown later that season; Hasn’t quite shown the same form barring his close Lexus second, possibly finding the going too testing behind Last Instalment when last seen; Missed Cheltenham to aim for this and should go very close again.

Houblon Des Obeaux: A terrific chaser in general, but for him to show his best, seems to need Ascot (won twice and come close third there this season in three runs); Rain in the area has been very beneficial to his chances but needs far more than he showed last time.

Menorah: Nowhere in the Ryanair last season but that was the story last season when he then pushed First Lieuteant to ¾ of a length here; More than capable of doing the same again despite being poor so far again this term and not to be dismissed.

Silvinaco Conti: Classy staying chaser who was going smoothly when falling in Gold Cup last year before only third, behind Menorah and First Lieutant, here in this last year; Ring rusty on return in Betfair and clear form pick on King George success when he was well on top at end over Cue Card, but a tad disappointing, perhaps not enjoying the ground or the extended 3m2f; Big form chance here but possibility that race left it’s mark.

VERDICT: A cracking contest with Menorah lurking alongside the three form principals, of which DYNASTE is the pick. Well ahead of Silvinaco Conti in the Betfair Chase, he was impressive when winning an admittedly weak Ryanair and loves the 3-mile track here. He can beat First Lieutenant, who is an ever-present threat although he may have wanted faster ground.