AIntree Bowl Chase |
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| Grade 1, Aintree £250,000 guaranteed, 5yo plus, 3m 210y, Class 1 |
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Stage Star is set to take his chance here, following a gutsy performance to finish second in the Cotswold Chase at Cheltenham.
If you needed reminding L'Homme Presse LOVES Cheltenham 🤣
— CheltenhamRacecourse (@CheltenhamRaces) January 25, 2025
He wins the @betfair Cotswold Chase 💯 pic.twitter.com/4CnrP49Asp
Stepping up to a trip beyond three miles for the first time on the New Course, the nine-year-old was expertly sent to the lead by Harry Cobden. Dictating proceedings from the front, he travelled and jumped with fluency, keeping his rivals at bay until the favourite, L’Homme Presse, threw down a challenge two fences from home.
Despite conceding 4lb to Venetia Williams’ talented chaser, Stage Star battled bravely all the way to the line, eventually going down by just three-quarters of a length.
Owners Group racing manager Dan Downie was thrilled with the effort from Paul Nicholls’ charge, who reminded everyone of the form that carried him to victory in both the Turners Novices’ Chase and the Paddy Power Gold Cup back in 2023.
“He ran a cracking race and was very much back to his best,” said Downie. “He jumped superbly, travelled strongly, and gave us plenty to smile about. He was beaten by a top-class horse, and we couldn’t be happier with him.
“It’s probably his best performance since winning the Paddy Power Gold Cup. Harry said afterwards it was one of the best races he’s ever had on him—he was absolutely delighted.
“Cheltenham won’t be on the agenda for him this spring. We’ll aim to have him fresh and ready for Aintree.”
Aintree Bowl Chase
£250,000 guaranteed, 5yo plus, 3m 210y, Class 1
entries
Going:
Aintree Bowl - Previous Winners
2024 Gerri Colombe
2023 Shishkin
2022 Clan Des Obeaux
2021 Clan Des Obeaux
2020 ABANDONED due to Covid-19
2019 Kemboy
2018 Might Bite
2017 Tea For Two
2016 Cue Card
2015 Silviniaco Conti
2014 Silviniaco Conti
2013 First Lieutenant, Gigginstown House Stud, Mouse Morris IRE 08-11-07 Bryan Cooper 7/2
2012 Follow The Plan, Redgap Partnership, Oliver McKlernan IRE 09-11-07 Tom Doyle 50/1
2011 Nacarat, Simon W Clarke, Tom George 10-11-07 Paddy Brennan 7/2
